The Met Office has issued a new red warning for wind – the highest level – to cover London, the South East and parts of the east of England from 10:00 (10AM) – 15:00 (3PM).
Extremely strong west to southwesterly winds will develop mid morning on Friday, transferring eastwards across southern and southeast England through the middle of the day then slowly easing from the west during the afternoon. Gusts of 60-70 mph are likely widely, perhaps briefly 80 mph in a few places, mainly on English Channel coasts.
What to expect
- Flying debris resulting in danger to life
- Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
- Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
- Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes
What should I do?
- Stay indoors as much as possible
- If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees
- Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences – if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side
- Do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress
- If possible, enter and leave your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you
- Open internal doors only as needed, and close them behind you
- Take care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges, or high open roads, delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible
- Slow down and be aware of side winds, particular care should be taken if you are towing or are a high sided vehicle
- Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary
For more information and further updates, please visit the Met Office website
TRAVEL
Rail operator Southeastern has asked commuters not to travel today as they can’t guarantee you’ll be able to complete your journey and the replacement transport may not be available.
- National Highways Agency have confirmed the Dartford River Crossing / QEII Bridge has been closed. Traffic is being diverted through a contraflow on the east tunnel.
- P&O Ferry services between Dover and Calais are suspended until further notice. Expect this to be the case for most of the day.
- All flights in and out of London City Airport are cancelled until 4:30PM.
- There are a large number of cancelled flights from Heathrow Airport.
- Gatwick Airport has announced several pre-flight cancellations.
Useful Emergency Information
Power cuts – https://ukpowernetworks.co.uk
Fallen Trees – https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/report-a-problem
Floods/emergency – https://www.kentprepared.org.uk/check-your-flood-risk
