• February 18, 2022

Strongest ever storm hits England (Video): Red warning expire but weekend is unsettled

By A Staff Reporter

LONDON Feb 18: Significant impacts from Storm Eunice are still being felt across southern and central areas of the UK as the low-pressure system moves eastwards. Red Warnings have now expired but continued disruption is expected with an Amber Warning for wind continuing until late on Friday evening, MET Office has reported.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: “Impacts will continue from Storm Eunice until late on Friday night, with continued high winds, especially in coastal areas.

National Highways Head of Road Safety, Jeremy Phillips, said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve. If you do intend to travel, then plan your trip and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.

“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.

Meanwhile more than 200,000 people tuned in to a YouTube channel livestreaming aircraft attempting to land at London Heathrow Airport. Big Jet TV captured the moment many of the jets made multiple attempts to land.

“Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space. In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes.”

People are advised to check their local resilience authorities for ongoing safety advice around travel and preparations.

For more information on how to prepare for severe weather, please visit MET’s WeatherReady advice.

Unsettled weekend

Following Storm Eunice’s departure out to the east late on Friday night, an unsettled weekend of weather is to come for many.

Yellow warnings have been issued through Saturday and Sunday, highlighting the ongoing risk of wind and rain, although much less impactful than Storm Eunice.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: “Winds will decrease from their exceptionally high levels on Friday, but there’s a continued wet and windy theme for many through the weekend.

“The south will see wet and windy conditions on Saturday, before areas to the north and west, including Northern Ireland, see some more potentially disruptive conditions on Sunday. Weather warnings have been issued but should be checked throughout the weekend for any ongoing updates.”

Saturday’s yellow warning for wind covers much of the southwest, southern Wales and coastal areas in the south of England, where gusts of around 60mph are possible on the coasts, and around 40-50mph further inland. This will be accompanied by some persistent rain for many in the south, which will move eastwards as the day progresses.

Much of Scotland will enjoy a fine day on Saturday, although further rain will affect England and Wales with perhaps some snow across parts of the Midlands and southern Pennines.

However, wind and rain will be the main theme of Sunday for many in the north, with Yellow Weather Warnings issued.