UPDATE: Amber weather warning: Flintshire Bridge to close as Storm Éowyn brings severe winds

Updated: Flintshire Council has said the bridge will now close an hour later than previously communicated, posting on their Facebook page, a spokesperson said: “We are currently planning to close the A548 Flintshire Bridge from 9am. The closure will remain in place until it is safe to reopen the road.”
Timings are subject to forecast changes,
Previous report: The A548 Flintshire Bridge will close from 8 am on Friday as Storm Éowyn is forecast to bring severe winds, heavy rain, and significant disruption to parts of the county.
Flintshire County Council confirmed the closure will remain in place until conditions improve, with gusts of up to 90mph forecast in exposed areas.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for wind across north Wales, including Flintshire, from 6am to 9pm on Friday.
The warning highlights the risk of widespread travel disruption, power outages, and damage to buildings and homes, as well as potential surface water flooding due to heavy rain.
Storm Éowyn’s Path and Impacts
Storm Éowyn, described as a “low likelihood but high impact” event, will move across the northwest of the UK early on Friday.
Winds will strengthen across southwest Wales in the morning before spreading northeast.
Mike Silverstone, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:
“Storm Éowyn will bring very strong winds and widespread disruption on Friday. The strongest gusts, exceeding 80 mph, will be felt across parts of Northern Ireland, southern and central Scotland, northern England, and northwest Wales. Winds will gradually ease later in the day, with the focus shifting to Scotland into Saturday.”
Travel and Safety Advice
Drivers and residents are being urged to prepare for challenging conditions.
Travel disruption is likely across roads, rail, air, and ferry services.
Mark Nash, Duty Manager at National Highways, advised:]
“If you’re planning to drive, prepare in advance and adjust your behaviour to manage the conditions as safely as possible.”
National Highways recommends the acronym TRIP for drivers:
- Top-up: Fuel, oil, and screen wash.
- Rest: Plan regular stops every two hours to avoid fatigue.
- Inspect: Check tyre pressure and tread.
- Prepare: Have a plan for adverse weather conditions.
The Met Office has also urged residents to secure loose items such as garden furniture, trampolines, and bins to prevent wind damage.
With power cuts possible, preparing essentials like torches, batteries, and mobile phone chargers is recommended.
Wales weather warnings:
Yellow warning for winds in western parts of Wales from 07:00 until 18:00 Thursday.
Yellow warning for rain across much of Wales from 00:00 until 09:00 Friday.
Yellow warning for winds for much of Wales from 05:00 until 23:59 Friday.
Amber warning for wind for north Wales from 06:00 until 21:00 Friday.
Winds picking up in western parts on Thursday, bringing a 4-to-5-hour spell of strong and gusty winds. Winds are expected to reach 50-60 mph over exposed coasts and hills.
Heavy rain arrives for much of Wales on Friday as well as strong winds. Winds will be strongest in north Wales, where peak gusts of 60-70 mph are expected fairly widely inland, with 70-80 mph in some areas, and 80-90 mph along more exposed coasts and hills.
Further Ahead
According to the Met Office, as Storm Éowyn weakens and clears to the northeast of the UK, Saturday is expected to remain breezy across the country, with strong winds persisting in northern areas.
Conditions will become drier for many, with showers replacing the persistent heavy rain. These showers may turn wintry in the north, particularly over higher ground.
However, the Met Office has warned that another area of low pressure will influence the UK’s weather from Sunday. Initially affecting western areas, it is expected to spread further east, bringing additional wind and rain into the start of next week, with the potential for further weather warnings to be issued.
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