And it sounds like we’d better batten down the hatches. Beginning tomorrow across Northern areas of the UK, Storm Dudley is expected to bring up to 90mph winds this Wednesday 16th February, with large cities across the North – including Manchester – expected to be hit hard by strong winds and rain.
Issuing a ‘Yellow’ weather warning for Greater Manchester, the Met Office warns that the severe weather conditions could cause major travel disruption in the region, with power cuts likely and fallen trees expected.
The warning begins tomorrow afternoon, and is not currently expected to be removed until Friday night, when the second storm to rip through the country this week – Storm Eunice – is predicted to pass.
While Storm Dudley is expected to affect the North only, Storm Eunice will affect the entire country – with coastal areas, in particular, warned to watch out for large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties that could cause severe injury or death.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, said; “An active jet stream is driving low-pressure systems across the country, both of which are likely to cause some disruption and National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued”.
National Highways Head of Road Safety, Jeremy Phillips, warned those who may need to travel: “Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space. In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes.”
Summer, are you ready to come out of hibernation yet?