Homes in 12 areas of the UK are being urged to lock their doors and windows on Thursday and Friday as winds of up to 90 mph are forecast. Multiple severe amber and yellow weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office as households are warned to brace for a “multi-hazard” event today as Storm Goretti sweeps the country. Warnings for snow, ice, rain and wind cover large swathes of the UK on Thursday and Friday, with 10cm of snow expected to fall fairly widely over Wales and the Midlands, while winds of up to 60mph are forecast widely in southwestern areas, with gusts reaching up to 90mph expected in exposed coastal areas on Thursday evening into Friday morning.
The Met Office has warned the unsettled weather could lead to power cuts in many areas, along with possible mobile phone outages, while travel delays and cancellations are likely. In areas covered by the warnings for wind, the forecaster has warned of a possible “danger to life” due to flying debris, while damage to homes and buildings is likely during the storm.
People are being urged to only travel if necessary and to prepare for potential power cuts by gathering torches, batteries, mobile phone power packs and other essential items.
Households are also urged to lock their doors and windows to protect their homes and gardens from the strong winds, as well as removing any loose items from gardens, such as outdoor lights, lanterns, hanging baskets and mirrors, as these could easily smash and break in blustery conditions.
In its advice on staying safe during storms, the Met Office says: “Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them
“Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages. Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences.
“Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if the roof pitch is less than 30°. If the house is fitted with storm shutters over the windows then ensure that these are closed and fastened. If chimney stacks are tall and in poor condition, move beds away from areas directly below them.”
Steven Walley, a landscaper and gardening expert from London Stone, warns that it is essential to take steps to protect your home during windy and rainy weather to minimise damage as much as possible.
He added: “Nature is extremely powerful and heavy wind and rain can cause severe damage to your garden through flying debris or flooding. To prevent as much harm as possible, it’s important to ensure we’re taking precautions to protect our homes in harsh weather conditions.
“Make sure all doors and windows are locked shut. If you know a storm or weather warning is set to take place in your region, start taking precaution.
“First, make sure that there are no obvious entry points by making sure all windows and doors are locked shut. This will help to prevent damage from heavy rain seeping in and will help to reduce pressure on windows from strong winds.”
The full list of areas covered by Met Office amber and yellow warnings for wind on Thursday and Friday include:
London & South East England
- Hampshire
- Isle of Wight
- Portsmouth
South West England
- Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Dorset
- Isles of Scilly
- Plymouth
- Somerset
- Torbay
