Met Office issues Storm Eowyn 'danger to life' weather warning for ...

The Met Office has sounded the Storm Eowyn weather alarm for Gloucestershire. It has issued a 24-hour yellow alert for very strong winds on Friday (January 24) from 12am to 11.59pm, saying disruption is expected.

The weather experts said the winds, caused by low pressure, will lead to disruption such as damage to buildings, power cuts and flying debris which could create a danger to life. The storm was officially named by the Met Office this morning (Tuesday, January 21).

It also will cause disruption to travel, with road, rail, airports and ferries likely to be affected throughout Friday. Large swathes of the UK are affected by a number of warnings, including the West Country - only London and South East England are out of the danger zone.

In Gloucestershire, wind gusts are forecast to be more than 50mph between 3am and 6am on Friday. There could also be some heavy rain at this time as well.

It looks as if wind speeds will tail off as Friday continues, with the rain clearing with more dry weather. The weekend is looking mainly dry, with the risk of some heavy rain on Sunday afternoon.

What to expect on Friday

• Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen
• Power cuts are likely to occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• Road, rail, air and ferry services are likely to be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. Some roads and bridges may close.
• Injuries and danger to life could occur from flying debris, as well as large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

The change to conditions is being caused by a powerful jet stream pushing low pressure across the Atlantic and towards the UK, following a recent cold spell over North America, the Met Office said. The forecaster advised securing loose items outside homes, including bins, garden furniture, trampolines and sheds, and gathering torches and batteries in case of any power cut.

What the Met Office says

MetOffice spokeswoman Andrea Bishop said: “Storm Eowyn will bring a period of very unsettled, potentially disruptive, weather to the UK through Friday and into Saturday. Pronounced ‘Ay-oh-win’, the system will begin to influence the UK’s weather on Friday, with strengthening winds initially in north-western parts of the UK with accompanying heavy rainfall."

Providing more information, the Met Office said: "Storm Éowyn is expected to pass close to or across the northwest of the UK on Friday before clearing to the northeast on Saturday. Whilst there is some uncertainty in the track of Éowyn, a spell of very strong winds is likely, initially southeasterly before turning westerly, with peak gusts of 50-60 mph inland, 60-70 mph around some coasts and hills, and perhaps up to 80 mph in exposed parts of western Scotland. The wind strength will gradually ease across southern areas later on Friday."

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Met Office South West forecast

Today: A chilly start with patchy frost in rural parts. Early morning mist and fog lift, giving a dry and settled day, with bright or sunny spells developing into the afternoon. Feeling cool though, particularly in the shade, with light winds. Maximum temperature 9 °C.

Tonight: Increasingly cloudy with hill fog returning across the higher ground. Meanwhile scattered showers linger along the south coast, spreading slowly northwards. Minimum temperature 3 °C.

Wednesday: Scattered showers clear eastwards leaving a settled but rather cloudy day, with the best of any brightness remaining in the west. Feeling cool beneath grey skies. Maximum temperature 9 °C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Turning wet and increasingly windy. Persistent rain, heavy at times spreads eastwards through Thursday and Friday. Frequent, blustery showers to follow on Saturday, though some brighter breaks too.