A severe weather warning has been issued for Cumbria.
Storm Debi is set to hit the North West today, Monday November 13, with the potential to bring very strong and disruptive winds.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning from 4am to 6pm.
it said: “While there is still some uncertainty in the exact track and depth of this low, there is a chance of very strong westerly winds developing along Irish Sea coasts of Wales and North West England on Monday morning before extending inland during day, slowly easing later.
“There is a chance of 60mph to 65mph gusts developing inland and 70mph to 80mph around coasts, and over some higher ground, such as the Pennines.
National Highways has issued a severe weather warning and has urged drivers to take care on the roads.
It said as well as the gales, occasional outbreaks of heavy rain exacerbating the difficult driving conditions.
Drivers of high sided vehicles, motorbikes and other vulnerable vehicles are advised to take extra care due to the risk of being blown over.
The winds across the south of Cheshire and north Cumbria will be strong with winds of 40mph to 50mph predicted. Winds will slowly ease from the west from mid-afternoon, but will remain strong in to the evening, it said.
Stephen Basterfield, National Network Manager at National Highways, said: “Gales and high winds can happen all year round, but most often occur during storms, and are even more prevalent during the autumn and winter seasons and early spring.
“It is therefore always important to plan ahead for your journey, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.”
What to expect
- Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible
- Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen
- Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible
- Some roads and bridges may close
- Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
Advice from Cumbria police
Cumbria police have issued advice for drivers following the weather warning.
The constabulary is advising motorists to take extra care on the county’s roads tomorrow.
Advice for road users includes:
- Please plan ahead for journeys tomorrow, allowing for extra time.
- Take extra care and, where possible, avoid exposed areas of the county where the wind could cause the most disruption.
- Drive slowly and with extra care and attention.
- Please give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual.
Officers are also asking drivers of high-sided vehicles to take particular care and to plan routes accordingly to the conditions.
The conditions may be particularly impactive during the rush-hour period in the morning and drivers are asked to take extra care and drive to the conditions.
