Met Office issues urgent danger to life storm warning for fierce 80mph gusts

The Met Office has issued an urgend wind warning – with some parts of Britain to be blasted by gusts of up to 80mph. The forecaster confirmed there is a small chance of “danger to life” as a result of heavy winds across large parts of the country.

The weather warning currently covers most of the UK, including northern Ireland, SAcotland, and the north of England as well as parts of the Midlands. Yellow alerts have been issued for 14 areas These are: Grampian, Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders, North West England, East of England, Yorkshire and Humber, Wales, Central, Tayside and Fife, East Midlands, Northern Ireland, Strathclyde, West Midlands, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkenya and Shetland and North East England.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “Overnight Wednesday into Thursday, strong west to northwesterly winds are likely to develop across a large swathe of the country. Quite widely winds are expected to peak with gusts reaching 50-60 mph, however in some locations, such as exposed coastlines, plus over and to the east of high ground there is a chance that gusts of 70-80 mph may be seen in some populated places.

“The exact areas and timing of the peak wind gusts speeds are yet to be fully determined, with a chance that this event could continue into Friday for some areas too.”

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The weather warning is in place for 24 hours from midnight on Thursday, December 21 until 11.59pm the same day. Experts predict that there is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris, while there is also a chance of tiles being blown from roofs.

There could be some travel chaos on Britain’s road and bridges, while services including mobile phone coverage could also be affected.

The Met Office has urged Brits Prepare to check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences should be stored away.

Sharing advice on what to during the time that the yellow weather warning is in place, a spokesperson added: “Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. Itโ€™s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”

Residents living in UK coastal towns and cities covered by the weather alert have been warned of large waves battering into the nation’s shores. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead.

In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.

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