Shropshire braced for stormy weather

The storm is expected to bring very strong winds and heavy rain, with winds gusting 60-80 mph, both in the southwesterly winds ahead of the low centre and west to northwesterly winds behind it.

In Shropshire winds are expected to reach up to 60mph in exposed areas.

Around 20 to 40 mm of rain may fall within 6 to 9 hours, leading to localised flooding.

There were hopes that the massive weather system would miss the UK and sweep up the English Channel instead. But weather forecasters are now certain it will cross the south of the UK, possibly causing severe disruption to travel, structural damage and bringing down power lines.

Severe weather alerts are in place for England and Wales, with an amber warning meaning “be prepared” for the southern half of the country and into south Shropshire. A yellow alert for heavy rain is forecast for the whole of Shropshire.

Martin Young, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: “While this is a major storm for the UK, we don’t currently expect winds to be as strong as those seen in the ‘Great Storm’ of 1987 or the ‘Burns Day storm’ of 1990.

“This weather system is typical of what we expect to see in winter but as it’s coming in during autumn – when trees are in leaf – and while the ground is fairly saturated, it does pose some risks. We could see some uprooted trees or other damage from the winds and there’s a chance of some surface water flooding from the rainfall – all of which could lead to some disruption.”

People are advised to take precautions ahead of the storm and that travel conditions may be difficult during tomorrow morning. Delaying journeys to avoid the worst of the winds should be considered.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Environment Agency staff teams are out working to minimise river flood risk, clearing debris from streams and unblocking culverts and will continue to closely monitor the situation. We are supporting local authorities who will respond to any reports of surface water flooding.

“People are advised to sign up to receive free flood warnings from the Environment Agency website, check weather reports on the Met Office website and be prepared to change their travel plans.”

Martin Hobbs the head of Asset Resilience at the Highways Agency: “We are working closely with the Met Office to monitor conditions ahead of the weather being forecast over the weekend. Drivers, especially those considering a trip with a caravan, are encouraged to think carefully before setting off as driving conditions are expected to be difficult on Sunday evening and Monday. If you do have to make a journey by road, be prepared, plan your jour­ney in advance and check the lat­est weather conditions along your route.

“Be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles plenty of space. In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close certain bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signposted diversion routes.”