Strong winds are set to continue as Storm Bert batters the South West this weekend. The Met Office has issued two yellow warnings for Sunday, November 24, as the storm will likely cause dangerous coastal conditions and disruption.
A warning for rain lasts until 11.45pm on Sunday night. The wind warning lasts until 9pm on Sunday. Flood alerts and flood warnings have already been issued across the South West with more expected.
According to the weather experts: “South or southwesterly gales, locally severe gales are likely to affect many southern counties of England and parts of Wales this weekend. The strongest gusts will be along coasts, with gusts of 60-70 mph possible around exposed headlands, while elsewhere, gusts of 50-60 mph are possible, even for some inland locations.”
THe Met Office said: “Heavy rainfall will affect much of the UK this weekend. Rain is expected to develop during Saturday morning across southwest and southern England, becoming particularly heavy and persistent overnight and into Sunday. Accumulations of 50-75 mm are expected to fall fairly widely during this time. There is a chance that some places over Dartmoor could see 100-150 mm. Strong southerly winds will accompany the heavy rain and may locally exacerbate impacts. Rain will become less extensive through Sunday as it erratically clears eastwards.
“South or southwesterly gales, locally severe gales are likely to affect many southern counties of England and parts of Wales this weekend. The strongest gusts will be along coasts with gusts 60-70 mph possible around exposed headlands, while elsewhere gusts of 50-60 mph are possible, even for some inland locations. The strong winds will start to ease across the southwest England and Wales on Sunday morning, but may take until evening before easing across far southeast England.”
Residents are advised to protect their “property and people from injury.” Loose items outside homes, such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences, should be secured.
Those needing to travel should check delays by looking at road conditions, such as driving or bus and train timetables, and amending their travel plans if necessary. At the chance of a power cut, people should be gathering torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack, and other essential items, in advance.
The Met Office continued to warn: “If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
“Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”
Yellow weather warnings for rain and wind as well as dozens of flood warnings are in place across England, Wales, Scotland, with the Met Office describing the storm as a “multi-hazard event”.