A red weather warning has been issued for the Isle of Wight as Storm Eunice, expected to be the strongest in over 30 years, is set to deliver hurricane-strength winds and widespread damage tomorrow (Friday).
IW Met Service has upgraded its amber warning to a red warning meaning there is a significant danger to life and risk of widespread damage to property and infrastructure locally. It is the first time in Island Echo’s 10-year history that such a warning has been issued for the Isle of Wight, indicating the severity of the incoming storm.
Forecasters say that gusts of 70-90mph are expected Island-wide with 100mph being achieved in the South and West, especially on the coast and over downland. The warning is in force from 08:00 until 16:00 with a 90% confidence level.
Islanders should take action now to keep safe as it is likely that there will be a real risk to life, with widespread structural damage to buildings and the risk of falling debris. Substantial disruption to energy supplies is also possible.
Travel should only be undertaken if absolutely necessary and Islanders should take particular care at the coast as very large waves in excess of 5 metres are expected, with sudden surges. However, flooding is not expected in the main.
Emergency services are holding urgent meetings to discuss their response to the storm which is expected to be the strongest since the Burns Day Storm in 1990 – some 32 years ago.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has moved to Red Alert, reflecting the potential for widespread disruption and damage to electricity infrastructure. The utility provider has enacted well-established resilience plans and is both increasing and moving additional resources to key locations in anticipation of any potential damage.
Island Echo will be bringing you live updates throughout Friday – keep an eye on the homepage for the link.
(Article originally published at 09:54 – publication time adjusted for homepage positioning)
I wonder how many drivers take any notice???….none i expect..