Much of the UK, including Merseyside, is braced for the arrival of Storm Dave tomorrow
The Met Office has issued an update as Storm Dave continues to cause damage and travel disruption. The ECHO reported this morning, Friday, April 3, how millions of drivers are taking to the road ahead of a windy Easter weekend with Storm Dave forecast to bring gusts of up to 90mph.
Travel trade organisation Abta estimated that two million people from the UK will travel abroad between Good Friday and Easter Monday. The RAC predicted it would be the busiest Easter on the roads since 2022.
Much of the UK is braced for the arrival of the latest Met Office named storm. A number of yellow severe weather warnings for wind have been issued covering the whole of Scotland, Northern Ireland, North Wales and parts of northern England.
The warning, which covers Merseyside, will be active from 5pm Saturday April 4 until 7am Sunday April 5. Across all warning areas gusts of 50-60mph are expected widely, with 60-70mph gusts possible in exposed locations. The strongest gusts will be in Scotland, where there is a small chance of gusts up to 80-90mph for a short time in exposed locations.
National Highways said it will lift 1,500 miles of roadworks from its network of motorways and major A roads in England between Thursday and Easter Monday to ease journeys.
Now, the Met Office has issued a further update as the warning area has been extended further south across northern England and Wales, and the likelihood of impacts has been increased.
The Met Office said people should expect the following:
- Road, rail, air and ferry services are likely to be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible
- Some roads and bridges may close
- Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen
- Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible
It added: “A rapidly deepening area of low pressure, Storm Dave, will cross Scotland on Saturday night before clearing into the North Sea on Sunday.
“Whilst some uncertainty remains in the exact track and shape of Storm Dave, a spell of strong southwesterly winds is expected. Gusts of 50-60 mph are expected fairly widely with 60-70 mph in more exposed locations.
“The strongest winds are expected during Saturday evening where there is a small chance of gusts of 70-80 mph briefly, particularly northern England and southern Scotland. Large waves may lead to some dangerous conditions around windward coasts.”
What should you do?
The Met Office advised:
- Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
- Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
- People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
- If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
- Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
