Met Office issues urgent Storm Isha safety advice as horror 70mph gales hits UK

21 January 2024 , 17:43

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Met Office issues urgent Storm Isha safety advice as horror 70mph gales hits UK

The Met Office has issued urgent safety advice ahead of Storm Isha's 70mph gales that will hit the UK later this evening.

The storm, which is due to strike later and continue into the early hours of the morning, has brought with it weather warnings, including an amber alert, which is a "danger to life" advisory.

The Met Office said: "Storm Isha will bring a spell of very strong winds during Sunday evening and into Monday. Disruption to travel and utilities is likely."

People travelling by rail, sea and air will also face disruptions, including closures, cancellations and delays. Some rail operators issued a "do not travel" warning on Sunday. The national forecaster has provided additional guidance on how to stay safe and protect your property...

People walking in high winds at Salthill, Galway, during Storm Isha (PA)

Before the storm hits

• 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 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

All the weather warnings in place across the UK for when Storm Isha hits

During the storm

• Stay indoors as much as possible
• If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees
• Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences - if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side
• Do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress
• If possible, enter and leave your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you
• Open internal doors only as needed, and close them behind you
• Take care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges, or high open roads, delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible
• Slow down and be aware of side winds, particular care should be taken if you are towing or are a high sided vehicle
• Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary

After the storm

• Be careful not to touch any electrical/telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging
• Do not walk too close to walls, buildings and trees as they could have been weakened
• Make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them make arrangements for any repairs

Ryan Fahey