Yellow Alert: Met Office issue warning as ‘force 9’ gales forecast to sweep into Deeside
The Met Office has issued a yellow ‘be aware’ warning for Flintshire as forecasts suggest wind up to 60mph will sweep into the region from around 4pm today, Tuesday 17 November.
Storm Barney is the latest powerful weather system to hit Wales, over the weekend Storm Abigail caused damage in Deeside causing a 40ft tree being blown over near Asda.
The latest storm is expected to bring gale force winds and heavy rain, aviation warnings from the Met Office forecast wind speeds of up to 45 knots.
The Met Office chief forecaster says:
“A vigorous depression will track quickly east across Ireland and then northern England this evening, with a swathe of very strong winds developing on the southern flank of the low. The worst of the winds look likely to reach west Wales in the early evening, sweeping rapidly eastwards across the Midlands and East Anglia later during the evening. This update limits the southern extent of the previous warning.”
The Met Office chief forecaster says:
A vigorous depression will track quickly east across Ireland and then northern England this evening, with a swathe of very strong winds developing on the southern flank of the low. The worst of the winds look likely to reach west Wales in the early evening, sweeping rapidly eastwards across the Midlands and East Anglia later during the evening. This update limits the southern extent of the previous warning.
Storm Selfies.
Thrill-seekers are being warned not to put themselves at risk by taking photographs in stormy condition, often buoyed on from ‘requests’ for photo’s by news organisations in return for seeing a small credit on a published photograph.
The Environment Agency and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) are warning that people posing for ‘storm selfies’ are putting their lives in danger.
Neil Davies, duty flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said:
The power of Mother Nature is a fascination to us all – and taking storm selfies may seem exhilarating – but over the last few years we’ve had an increasing number of people putting themselves and family members at severe risk along coastal paths and promenades. Floods destroy so take care and be prepared. Find out if you are at risk and sign-up for early flood warnings. Stay safe and act now to be better prepared for flood to reduce the impact it could have on your family, your home and your business.
David Walker, leisure safety manager at RoSPA, added:
We understand the temptation to view powerful tides and weather conditions, however, if you get caught up or swept out to sea in these events your life will be at risk very quickly and our rescue services will also be at great risk. Listen to the advice of the coastguard and the police about safe places to be. Floods are devastating so do not be afraid to seek medical help or support.
Flintshire Bridge.
