Storm Eunice: Government calls COBRA meeting and Met Office issues rare RED warning

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An emergency Cobra meeting was called by the Government today to discuss the incoming Storm Eunice after the Met Office issued a rare ‘red warning’ to stay indoors for what could be Britain’s worst storm in 32 years.

Millions of Britons were warned to batten down the hatches for the second winter storm in just three days, with the South of England expected to bear the brunt of widespread 80mph gusts from 5am tomorrow until 9pm.

Rail operators across the UK told passengers to avoid using their services, including London North Eastern Railway, Greater Anglia, Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express. South Western Railway said a speed restriction will be in place across its network, while Southeastern said: ‘We strongly advise you do not travel.’

The Royal Borough of Greenwich in London told residents to ‘stay inside where possible’, fire services across the South and Midlands told locals to ‘stay indoors and limit travel’ and Swansea Council said all schools will shut. 

The Met Office has placed almost all of England and Wales under an amber warning tomorrow, while an even more severe red warning for the South West says there could be ‘flying debris resulting in danger to life’.

The red warning was issued along the coastline of Devon and Cornwall as well as the south coast of Wales due to extremely strong winds that could reach up to 100mph amid concerns roofs could be blown off houses.

Forecasters said Storm Eunice would cause ‘significant disruption and dangerous conditions due to extremely strong winds’, including ‘damage to buildings and homes’, ‘power lines brought down’ and ‘uprooted trees’.

The warning added that roads, bridges and railway lines could be closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights – while power cuts could affect other services such as mobile phone coverage.

The Met Office said large waves and ‘beach material’ could be thrown onto coastal roads, seafronts and homes, and there may be flooding of coastal properties amid a threat of ‘dangerous conditions on beaches and seafronts’.

BBC weather presenter Sabrina Lee said the worst gusts would be in coastal areas and tomorrow was ‘not a day to venture out’ ahead of what could be the South’s most brutal battering since the Burns’ Day Storm of 1990.

Britain’s worst-ever weather disaster on January 25, 1990 left 47 people dead and caused up to £3billion worth of damage. It was more devastating than the Great Storm of 1987 because it struck during the day – like Eunice will.

Eunice is expected to spell blizzards, with up to 8in of snow settling on upland areas of the North and Scotland and two inches even in low-lying spots. If Eunice hits Ireland first, some of its energy will dissipate before it hits the UK. But if it arrives from further south, England will bear the full brunt, which has prompted the red warning.

Train passengers were told not to travel between London and Leeds or York tomorrow, with London North Eastern Railway warning of ‘delays, alterations and cancellations’ amid a reduced timetable. Meanwhile people in Cornwall have been urged to only travel ‘if absolutely necessary’ and to ‘take precautions’ by the council. 

And Prince Charles’s engagements in Newport and Swansea in South Wales tomorrow were also postponed because of the storm. A Clarence House spokesman said: ‘Following official guidance, the Prince of Wales’s visit to Newport and Swansea on Friday 18th February will not go ahead due to the dangers posed by Storm Eunice. In the interests of public safety, these engagements will be postponed with a view to rescheduling at a future date.’

Transport for Wales said Eunice would ’cause significant disruption to rail services’ due it being ‘the largest and most impactful storm affecting Wales for many years’. The operator later said all trains in Wales will be cancelled.

The red wind warning will come into effect from 7am tomorrow. Red warnings are issued rarely: the last was in November 2021 for Storm Arwen which saw very strong winds batter eastern Scotland and North East England.

Several red warnings were also issued in late February and early March 2018 during the so-called ‘Beast from the East’ when a huge storm brought widespread heavy snow and freezing temperatures to many parts of the UK.

Amber warnings, the second highest alert level, for wind are in place across the whole of England while yellow weather warnings, the next level down, for wind and snow are in force for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Government said the Cobra (Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms) emergency committee will meet ‘to discuss the response to Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice’ – and Cabinet Office Minister Michael Ellis will lead the meeting.

Ministers have been urged to ensure the Cobra meeting results in an emergency support plan to deal with power cuts. Liberal Democrat communities spokesman Tim Farron said: ‘Whenever a storm hits, the Government is disgracefully unprepared to support the thousands of people affected, they never learn from their mistakes.

‘This time, as people up and down the country are barraged by stormy weather, the Government must be on hand to provide support. The Cobra meeting must agree on an emergency support plan including providing food, emergency accommodation and electricity generators for those affected by any power cuts.’ 

Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said power network disruption was expected, adding: ‘We are in regular contact with network operators who are mobilising emergency teams and equipment, ready to respond if needed.’ 

It comes after 14,000 homes were left without power after Storm Dudley swept through the UK overnight, with North Wales experiencing gusts of up to 81mph, while West Yorkshire and South Lanarkshire saw 74mph winds.

Also last night, in Bristol city centre the Radisson Blu hotel was damaged in strong winds when parts of a glass panel fell from close to the top of the 61ft building shortly before 9pm. A cordon was set up but no one was hurt. 

This weekend brings little prospect of respite, with the potential for more wet and windy conditions into next week. But the stormy weather has also brought unseasonably warm temperatures with 17.9C (64.2F) recorded in Hampshire yesterday – a 20C contrast to the coldest UK spot on the same day in Shetland with -1.8C (28.8F).

The Energy Networks Association said ‘almost all homes affected by power outages caused by Storm Dudley have now been reconnected’, but added that teams were in place to prepare for repairs required in the wake of Eunice.

This morning, Northern Powergrid had said 1,000 properties still had no lights due to the weather.

‘Our teams have restored power to some 19,000 homes and businesses impacted by Storm Dudley, and we are working to get the lights back on for around 1,000 properties still affected,’ a spokesman said.

Yesterday evening at 9pm, around 4,000 people were thought to still be without power. About 14,000 customers were originally affected by the weather but 10,000 had been reconnected.

Met Office chief meteorologist Frank Saunders said today: ‘After the impacts from Storm Dudley for many on Wednesday, Storm Eunice will bring damaging gusts in what could be one of the most impactful storms to affect southern and central parts of the UK for a few years.’

‘The red warning area indicates a significant danger to life as extremely strong winds provide the potential for damage to structures and flying debris. Although the most exposed coastal areas in the south and west could see gusts in excess of 90mph, winds will remain notably strong further inland, with gusts of between 70-80mph for most within the amber warning area.’

National Rail has told travellers to check and see if their trains are delayed or cancelled if they are travelling tomorrow because several train operators are expected to have their services affected.

And Katharine Smith, Environment Agency Flood Duty Manager, said: ‘Strong winds could bring coastal flooding to parts of the west, southwest and south coast of England, as well as the tidal River Severn, in the early hours of Friday morning. This is due to Storm Eunice resulting in high waves and potential storm surge coinciding with the start of a period of spring tides. 

‘You can check your flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at https://www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates.’‎

The RAC has urged motorists not to drive during Storm Eunice unless it is absolutely necessary.

RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: ‘With a rare red weather warning for extreme winds in place tomorrow, safety on the roads will be paramount. It’s vitally important drivers don’t set out during Storm Eunice unless it can’t be avoided.

‘It might be better to make trips today or delay them until the worst of the storm has passed. Drivers who make unnecessary journeys risk putting themselves and their passengers in danger, as well as the lives of anyone who may need to help them should something unwanted happen.

‘People who can work from home tomorrow should definitely do so, and we also urge people not to be tempted to drive to the coast to take photos of the extreme conditions.’

And National Highways Head of Road Safety, Jeremy Phillips, said: ‘We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve. If you do intend to travel, then plan your trip and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.

‘In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.

‘Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space. In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes.’ 

Ross Easton, from the Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK’s energy network operators, said: ‘With either a yellow, amber or red ‘risk to life’ warning now in force across a large part of the UK tomorrow, we are reiterating our safety advice.

‘If you come across fallen power lines or damage to the electricity network, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it. In Northern Ireland the number is 03457 643 643.

‘If there is an immediate risk to life or someone is in danger, dial 999.

‘The energy networks are moving teams and equipment to strategic locations, ready to respond if needed. We are contacting customers in vulnerable situations to ensure they’re aware of the warnings in place and informed about what to do.’

Householders in the storm’s path are advised to charge up mobile phones and portable chargers, call 105 or use a mobile for updates if you have a power cut, keep a torch charged and make sure vulnerable friends, family and neighbours are prepared.

In Cornwall, residents are being urged to take precautions and only travel if absolutely necessary. Cornwall Council said the storm is likely to be as powerful as those that affected the county in 2014 while forecasters have warned it still has the potential to strengthen further.

The council said the worst of the winds are set to coincide with high spring tides along the Cornish coastline at around 6am – leading to overtopping and possible flooding.

‘People are urged to stay back from cliffs and seafronts due to the danger of large waves,’ a council spokesman said. ‘Residents are urged to pay close attention to the weather forecast over the next two days and are urged to only travel on Friday if absolutely necessary.’

Meanwhile, Mid Devon Council has suspended waste and recycling collection tomorrow due to the weather.

In North Somerset, councillor Mike Bell, deputy leader of the council, said: ‘We’re urging people to please stay at home during the worst of the weather.

‘Please stay away from coastal paths, piers and promenades, and parks and woodlands. Don’t risk your safety or that of the people who would come to your rescue if you got into trouble. Our highways team is on stand-by to help with fallen trees, blocked roads and flooding. We’ll also be closing the floodgates at Weston seafront.’ 

In Ceredigion, residents were being warned of the dangers posed by Storm Eunice.

‘Storm Eunice is currently showing potential to be one of the most powerful storms to affect Ceredigion for a number of years and we will continue to track its path over the next 48 hours,’ a Ceredigion County Council spokesman said.

‘People are reminded to be careful whilst travelling as the winds may result in fallen trees and debris being present on the highway, and people should stay away from exposed coastal areas as wind gusts will be very strong.

‘Currently, tides are elevated and large waves are likely, and beach material is likely to be thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.’

And Natural Resources Wales is urging people living near the coast to be vigilant.

Ross Akers, from Natural Resources Wales, said: ‘The forecasted high winds could cause a storm surge and large waves which could lead to the overtopping of flood defences along the coast.

‘We are monitoring the situation very closely, but we are concerned that if the forecast does materialise, then we are likely to see significant flooding impacts in many places along our coastal areas. 

‘Wind speeds could also result in damage in many areas. We are urging caution and for everyone to keep a close eye on the weather forecasts and check for the latest flood warnings.

‘If you live near to, or are visiting a coastal area, please take extra care and keep a safe distance from coastal paths and promenades as large waves can sweep you off your feet or you can be hit by debris.’

National Rail said as of 7am today, dozens of train companies have been affected in the north of England, the Midlands, Wales and across most of Scotland, including LNER, Transport for Wales and ScotRail.

It added that due to damage to the overhead electric wires between Bedford and St Albans, some lines are currently blocked on the East Midlands Railway and Thameslink lines. 

The Met Office issued yellow weather warnings until 10am today for Scotland, with wintry showers overnight leading to a risk of ice.

It comes ahead of Storm Eunice, which is predicted to bring in winds in excess of 95mph in coastal areas while inland areas could still see gusts to around 80mph, the weather service added. 

The strongest gust recorded in the UK was 173mph at Cairngorm Summit on March 20, 1986, according to records. 

The Met Office has warned there is a potential for fallen trees, damage to buildings and travel disruption as a result of the storm.

National Highways, with the Met Office, have issued a severe weather alert for strong winds covering the East of England, East Midlands, West Midlands, South East and South West, between the hours of 6am and 6pm on Friday.

The agency added ‘there is a particularly high risk that high-sided vehicles and other ‘vulnerable’ vehicles such as caravans and motorbikes could be blown over’ in areas including the East of England, Midlands, South East and South West.

The Environment Agency had two flood warnings in place as of this morning in northern areas of England.

Flood duty manager Katharine Smith said: ‘Strong winds could bring coastal flooding to parts of the west, south-west and south coast of England, as well as the tidal River Severn, through the early hours of Friday morning and into the early afternoon.

‘This is due to Storm Eunice resulting in high waves and potential storm surge coinciding with the start of a period of spring tides.’

She said agency teams were making preparations, erecting barriers and clearing screens where flood debris can build up.

Green Flag has predicted a spike in breakdowns across the country over the coming days.

Mark Newberry, commercial director at Green Flag, said: ‘As a result of these weather conditions, we urge drivers to remain cautious and to carry out the relevant safety checks before setting off on their journeys.  

‘It’s particularly important that people are as prepared as possible to withstand the high expected wind speeds and potential snow in some areas.’

In Scotland, rail services are now returning to normal after Storm Dudley swept across the country, causing disruption to travel.

ScotRail services were wound down by 4pm yesterday due to Met Office amber weather warnings for high winds, though some services began running again this morning after safety checks on the line.

Scotland was buffeted with strong winds as Storm Dudley hit, with a gust of 74mph recorded at Drumalbin in South Lanarkshire, the Met Office said. 

Network Rail Scotland said its engineers have inspected more than 1,500 miles of track over the past ten hours and that apart from three signalling problems, Scotland’s Railway is ‘open for business’.

David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: ‘All routes across Scotland’s railway are now open with services returning to normal, following the severe weather during Storm Dudley.

‘Network Rail engineers have worked tirelessly to inspect around 1,500 miles of railway, clear debris from the tracks and repair damage to the railway infrastructure.

‘Preparations are now under way ahead of Storm Eunice and teams will be working around the clock to deal with any weather-related incidents quickly and efficiently.

‘We ask customers who are planning to travel to keep an eye on our website, app or social media feeds for live updates.’

Storm Eunice is due to hit Scotland tomorrow, bringing heavy snow and some strong winds to some parts of the country.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning which is in force from 3am until 6pm on February 18, which covers central Scotland, Tayside and Fife, Strathclyde, south west Scotland, Lothian and Borders.

Ferry passengers also faced disruption today. Caledonian MacBrayne tweeted that a number of ferry services were liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice. However, the company’s managing director Robbie Drummond said there was an ‘improving picture’ on Thursday.

He told BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme: ‘Yesterday we ran 214 sailings, which was 54 per cent of our timetable. We’re looking to improve on that today but clearly the majority of routes are liable to disruption.’

He added: ‘We’re aiming to get as many sailings done today as we can, before the further bad weather sets in for Friday.’

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister John Swinney warned the coming days will be ‘very challenging’ as a result of Storm Dudley and the expectation of Storm Eunice on Friday.

He said: ‘We expect another period of disruption this week, with storms Dudley and Eunice set to bring strong winds to Scotland. High winds may cause issues on roads and bridges, disruption to power supplies and danger from falling trees.

‘We would urge everyone to plan their journeys in advance, exercise caution on the roads and follow the latest travel advice.’

The Met Office yellow alert for tomorrow warns there is a chance of travel delays on roads, possibly with stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel and a slight chance that some rural communities could be temporarily cut off.

Forecasters said there is a small chance of power cuts and that other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.