Met Office issues weather warning with parts of Cheshire braced for …
Parts of Cheshire are braced for strong winds of up to 50mph as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning.
The gusts are set to hit an area of the county including Chester[1], Ellesmere Port[2] and Neston[3] from around 3pm today (April 11). The weather warning, which also affects parts of Wales, the east of Northern Ireland and southwest Scotland, remains in place until around 3am on Wednesday.
Met Office forecasters warn there is potential for some disruption due to the strong winds, with some delays to road, rail and air transport likely. They have also warned of possibly disruption to bus and train services, with passengers told to allow extra time for journeys.
High-sided vehicles travelling along exposed routes and over bridges are also warned to expect delays. The high winds may also cause power cuts.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “A developing area of low pressure running north through the Irish Sea is likely to bring a spell of strong winds, accompanied by some heavy rain, to parts of western England, Wales, the east of Northern Ireland and southwest Scotland.
“Gusts of 45-50 mph are possible inland and perhaps in excess of 60 mph for a time around some Irish Sea coastal areas. Winds should ease later in the evening in most areas but southwest Scotland may not see this improvement until the early hours of Wednesday.”
The Met Office has reminded householders to ensure they take steps to protect themselves and their properties, including ensuring any loose items such as bins and plant pots are secured and garden furniture either brought indoors or secured. Trampolines should be secured with tent pegs or turned upside down and shed doors should be locked.
People are advised to stay indoors as much as possible during such weather as they are more vulnerable to injury. Anyone who does venture out during this time should try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees.
For those travelling on the roads during this period, there are a few simple steps which Met Office experts advise people to carry out before setting off.
A Met Office spokespersoni said: “Windy weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Follow these few simple steps to prepare before journeys. Plan your route, check for delays and road closures.
“You should also listen out for travel updates on your car radio or sat nav. If you don’t have essentials in your car then pack for the worst, including, for example, warm clothing, food and drink and blankets and a torch.
“You should also take a fully charged mobile phone with an in-car charger or battery pack.”
And once on the road, drivers are warned to drive slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts, being aware of high sided vehicles and caravans on more exposed roads.
Motorists should also be cautious if considering overtaking high sided vehicles and caravans, holding the steering wheel firmly and giving cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual.
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References
- ^ Chester (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ Ellesmere Port (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ Neston (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ Rob McElhenney makes surprise appearance at Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Festival in Chester (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ Sign up for CheshireLive emails direct to your inbox here (data.reachplc.com)