Met Office upgrade Hertfordshire Storm Eunice weather warning to red
The weather warning for Storm Eunice has been upgraded from amber to red across Hertfordshire. - Credit: Met Office
The Met Office has upgraded the amber weather warning in Hertfordshire this morning as the region prepares to be battered by Storm Eunice.
Damage to buildings, homes, roads, bridges with railway lines closed and “flying debris resulting in danger to life” is to be expected today (February 18).
Red Weather Warnings are rarely issued by the Met Office, with the last one coinciding with Storm Arwen in November 2021.
Paul Gundersen, Met Office chief meteorologist, said: “After the impacts from Storm Dudley for many on Wednesday, Storm Eunice will bring damaging gusts in what could be one of the most impactful storms to affect southern and central parts of the UK for a few years.”
“The red warning areas indicate a significant danger to life as extremely strong winds provide the potential for damage to structures and flying debris.
“Although the most exposed coastal areas could see gusts in excess of 90mph, winds will remain notably strong further inland, with gusts of between 60-70mph for most within the amber warning area, and up to 80mph in a few places.”
Katharine Smith, Environment Agency flood duty manager, said: “Strong winds could bring coastal flooding to parts of the west, southwest and south coast of England, as well as the tidal River Severn, in the early hours of Friday morning.
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“This is due to Storm Eunice resulting in high waves and potential storm surge coinciding with the start of a period of spring tides.”
Jeremy Phillips, National Highways head of road safety, said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve.
“If you do intend to travel, then plan your trip and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.
“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.
“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.”
For the most up-to-date information about the county's roads, visit our LIVE Hertfordshire traffic map.
Do you have a live or breaking news story from across Hertfordshire? Email: hertslivenews@archant.co.uk
