Severe Weather Warning WIND Storm Eunice Friday 18 February 2022

Wednesday 16th February 2022

With Storm Eunice looking set to rattle through central areas of the UK - for our region, this means there is a risk that south west then westerly severe gales or storm force winds developing and an increasing likelihood of widespread inland wind gusts of 60 to 70mph.

In a few locations, gusts up to 80 mph are possible for a time.

A Met Office Amber Warning of Wind (MetOffice details can be found HERE), has now been issued for Storm Eunice and is valid from 0300 until 2100 on Friday. This warning covers southern areas of the UK including all of the East of England and now brings a Medium Likelihood and of High Impacts, which means that:

• there is a good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life
• damage to buildings and homes is likely, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
• roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
• there is a good chance that power cuts, possibly prolonged, could occur and possibly affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• large waves are likely and beach material is likely to be thrown onto exposed sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
• it is likely there will be falling branches and some uprooted trees

Meanwhile, expect some rain and showers during Friday - and should the track of Storm Eunice be further south, then we may see some sleet or snow falling just for a time.

Winds associated with Storm Eunice are expected to ease late on Friday, with the coming weekend still looking likely that it will remain very windy with winds still reaching 40 to 50mph at times, along with spells of rain or showers.

Members of the public should also keep an eye on Storm Dudley with the strongest winds expected later today and tonight, when there is the potential for disruption associated with westerly gusts of 50 to 60mph and potentially 60 to 70mph.

A Yellow Warning for Wind, (MetOffice details which can be found HERE), has been issued but does not extend as far as the Tendring District. However, we may experience some of these strong winds. This warning is now valid from 1300 today until 0600 Thursday, bringing a Low Likelihood of Medium Impacts which means that:

• road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible, as well as some roads and bridges may close
• damage to trees and buildings is possible
• power cuts may occur
• large waves may cause beach material to be thrown onto sea fronts and coastal roads

For our region, it is as some showery rain arrives from the north west during Wednesday evening, then overnight into the early hours of Thursday when the winds perhaps peak and those severe gale force gusts are possible.