Cumbria is preparing for the arrival of Storm Éowyn tomorrow.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for the entire county that comes into effect tommorrow, Friday January 24.
It said the storm is likely to bring the strongest winds of winter so far – with gusts reaching up to 90mph – and widespread disruption is expected.
Early predictions suggest there may be highway and travel disruption and possible power outages as a result of Storm Eowyn.
A multi-agency response is now being prepared and Cumbria Local Resilience Forum has met to ensure any response is co-ordinated so communities can access any help and support they need.
The storm is expected to bring a spell of very strong winds on Friday and there may also be some snow for high passes and Pennine routes in the early hours of Friday morning.
Among the hazards expected are strong winds, with gusts expected to reach up to 60 to 70 mph fairly widely inland, 70 to 80 mph in some areas, and 80 to 90 mph along more exposed coasts and hills.
This could cause airborne debris and fallen trees, highway and travel disruption and may pose a potential hazard to pedestrians, motorists and stationary vehicles.
At this stage, people across the county are being asked to plan ahead and do the following:
- Secure any loose items around your home and garden, such as rubbish bins, trampolines, plant pots and garden furniture, to minimise the risk of floating debris and damage.
- Speak in advance to vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours – advise them and ensure they are prepared in case of power outages.
- Check your torch batteries, radio and try to ensure phones are charged up in advance of the affected times.
- Park vehicles in a garage if available – otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences if possible.
- Please ensure you plan for any journey you intend to make on Friday – pack your car with essentials, plan your route and listen to travel updates.
- Stay clear of coastal areas during the affected times.
- Stay away from the fells well in advance of the affected times to keep you and mountain rescue volunteers safe.
- Do not drive through flood water if coming across flooding – take an alternative route.
- Do not touch any telephone or electrical cables that may have blown down.
Karl Melville from Cumberland Council and chair of the multi-agency group meeting, said: “We are asking people to prepare and follow the advice being given to minimise the impact of this storm.
“All agencies in Cumbria are working together to ensure our communities have access to the help and support they may need.
“But we would ask them to make themselves aware of the key contacts and ensure any vulnerable people within our communities are also aware and prepared.”
The RNLI is also urging people to stay safe if they live or are visiting coasts tomorrow and this weekend.
The strong winds pose a significant risk to safety and the lifesaving charity is urging the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.
Chris Cousens, regional water safety lead for the North West says: “Storm Éowyn is set to bring potentially dangerous and uncertain conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant.
“If you plan to visit the coast, the RNLI advises that you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life.
“If you find yourself in trouble unexpectedly in the water, remember to Float to Live; lie back in the water, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing.
“If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you could end up in difficulty too.”
The RNLI’s safety advice is:
- Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges
- Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
- Take a phone with you
- In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
Where can I report any issues?
- Electricity North West can be contacted on 105 for power cuts, but only call if your query is urgent to help prioritise customers in the most vulnerable circumstances.
- For water supply issues contact United Utilities on 0345 672 3723
- Problems with the roads in Cumberland can be reported to Cumberland Council via the council’s website www.cumberland.gov.uk or, in an emergency, on the Highway’s Hotline on 0300 373 3736.
- For Westmorland and Furness, report highways emergencies that require immediate attention such as a fallen tree or flooding to the authority’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3306. For less serious issues, complete the highways online reporting form found at westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
- Contact www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or call 101 if you have concerns about your own safety and well-being, or the safety and well-being of someone you know. If there is an immediate risk to life call 999.
