Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

THE UK Met Office is reminding people to stay safe as Storm Isha heads towards the UK. They are forecasting for our area strong winds, from:- Sunday, 21 January 2024, and heavy rain. They are also warnings of large waves and strongly recommend people keep away from the Sea, as the storm is expected to bring large, powerful waves.

The storm comes as the cold Arctic air which has been dominating the UK in recent days is subsiding,. Replying it will be a return to milder conditions, thanks to an Atlantic influence.

The new front will also bring wet and windy weather across the UK, on Sunday. This change has led to the Met Office issuing both Amber and Yellow Severe Weather Warnings, across large parts of the country.

Storm Isha is on track to hit the UK on Sunday, with gusts of:- 50mph to 60mph, even inland.

In our area (Merseyside) snd near other Westerly coastal areas, they predict widespread gusts of:- 60mph to 70mph, possibly reaching:- 80 mph in a few places. For those in the Irish Sea, wind gusts might be higher, leading to the possibility of very high tides and waves.

Chief Meteorologist, Dan Suri, said:- "Storm Isha will bring strong winds to the whole of the UK through Sunday and into Monday. The areas of particular concern are reflected by a large Amber severe weather warning which covers Northern Ireland, Central and Southern Scotland, Wales, much of Northern England as well as Southwestern parts of England. In these Regions we could see gusts frequently between:- 50mph to 60mph and even up to:- 80mph, in exposed coastal locations. As the storm starts to move away on Monday morning very strong winds will also develop in the far South East of England, bringing the risk of:- 70mph to 80mph gusts here too in the early hours of Monday morning. Storm Isha will bring a disruptive spell of weather to the UK with strong winds across the whole country. Heavy rain will cause additional hazards, particularly in the west. A number of severe weather warnings for rain have also been issued. Keep up to date with the Met Office warnings and pay close attention to guidance from your local authority."

Warnings highlight the possibility of travel disruption, power cuts and dangerous conditions near the coast with high waves and flying debris.

A spokesperson for the Energy Networks Association, which represents Britain's energy network operators, said:- "An Amber Warning brings an increased risk of damage to homes and vital infrastructure. Energy network operators are preparing to deal with any damage quickly and safely. With severe weather forecasts, our advice to customers is to prepare, care and share. Prepare by going online to:- PowerCut105.Com for advice and call:- 105, for free if you have a power cut. Check in with people who might need extra help and share this information, so that your friends and family know what to do too. If you see damaged power lines or lines brought down over the coming days, stay well clear and call:- 105 for free to report it, or dial:- 999 if there’s an immediate danger to life."

Next week the Met Office expects the winds to gradually ease through the day on Monday. Overnight into Tuesday will be a calmer interlude for most, with lighter winds and fewer showers in the North for a time. This does not last for long, however, as low pressure brings further wet and windy weather from the west on Tuesday morning, spreading Eastwards across the UK though the day.

Further into next week there are signs that conditions will settle down in the South, with any wet and windy weather becoming more confined to the North West of the UK. Temperatures are expected to remain mild for the time of year.

Please remember not to walk under trees during high winds, in case branches fall. Also, please remember to make secure bins and other items that can blow into the roads. If driving or riding bikes, keep your speed down and look out for both flooding and debris. If the road is flooded, do not attempt to go through it, as it could be deeper than it looks or hide other dangers. Also, if you have to go through flooding, keep speeds down and keep your window slightly open, in case you have you get out quickly. Remember that any waves made by your vehicle can affect property on the sides of the road, and can also make your motor fail.

If we have a power cut, please check on any vulnerable people who might need help.