07/12/2024 – Weather in Cornwall – Amber Weather Warning For Wind

Published On: 7 December 2024Last Updated: 7 December 2024By CornishStuff

Storm Darragh Brings Amber Warning: Potential Danger to Life as Winds Reach 80mph

Amber Alert: What to Expect

An Amber weather warning for wind has been issued by the Met Office today, with Storm Darragh bringing potentially damaging winds. The warning is in effect from 01:00 to 21:00 today, as northerly or northwesterly winds sweep across the region. Gusts of 70 to 80mph are forecast around exposed coasts and headlands, with inland areas expecting gusts of 60 to 70mph. A Yellow warning for wind will remain in place until 06:00 on Sunday morning.

The Met Office has cautioned that these winds could lead to serious consequences, including:

Damage to buildings and homes, with risks of roofs being blown off and power lines brought down.
Road, bridge, and railway closures, with potential cancellations to bus, train, ferry, and flight services.
Power cuts that could also disrupt mobile phone coverage and other essential services.
Flying debris and falling trees, posing a danger to life.
Coastal hazards, with large waves and beach materials likely to be thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads, and properties.

Staying Safe During Storm Darragh

The Met Office advises residents to take precautionary measures to protect property and minimise risks to safety. Here are the key steps to prepare:

Secure Outdoor Items

Check for loose items outside your home, such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines, and sheds. Secure these items to prevent them from becoming hazardous in the wind.

Travel Safely

Windy conditions can make travel challenging. The Met Office recommends:

Checking bus and train timetables in advance and adjusting travel plans if needed.
Preparing for road travel by ensuring you have essentials in your car, including warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, and an in-car phone charger.

Be Ready for Power Cuts

Power outages may occur, so consider gathering essential items such as torches, batteries, and a mobile phone power pack to cope better if a power cut happens.

Coastal Safety

Avoid risky behaviours near the coast during stormy weather. Large waves can sweep people off their feet and out to sea, even from the shore. If walking near cliffs, stay aware of your route and keep dogs on leads. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Why the Warning Is Amber

The Amber warning signifies a low likelihood but high impact of dangerous conditions. As the storm progresses, the strongest winds are expected to ease from the west through the afternoon. Residents are encouraged to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts in their area as warnings can change quickly.

Stay informed and follow the Met Office’s advice to minimise risks during this weather event.

South West England weather forecast

Headline:

Damaging winds today and significant disruption due to Storm Darragh.

Today:

Very strong northwesterly winds bringing widespread disruption. Some dangerous conditions in coastal regions due to Storm Darragh. Often cloudy with rain or showers though drier in western areas. Feeling cold in the strong winds. Maximum temperature 9 °C.

Tonight:

Staying very windy overnight with gale force northwesterly winds, these only slowly abating by the morning. Showery rain at first though turning drier later. Cold but remaining largely frost-free. Minimum temperature 4 °C.

Sunday:

Less stormy than on Saturday but still a windy day with coastal gales at first. Occasional sunny spells but often rather cloudy with a chance of isolated showers. Feeling cold. Maximum temperature 9 °C.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:

Brisk easterly winds at first, especially in southern coastal districts. Often cloudy with the odd shower on Monday, then drier with lighter winds by mid-week. Feeling rather cold.

Updated: 04:00 (UTC) on Sat 7 Dec 2024