50mph winds could hit Dorset as storm Antoni rolls in

A warning is in place for the whole of Dorset due to the arrival of Storm Antoni and is set to be in place from 6am-9pm on Saturday, August 5.

Gusts of wind could potentially reach around 50mph.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Willington said: “Storm Antoni will bring some potentially disruptive weather on Saturday as it moves from west to east. Northern Ireland is likely to see some of the highest rainfall totals, with 40-60mm falling in some spots, but 20-30mm more widely. Away from the warning area many will still see a very wet day, especially in north Wales and north England.

“Storm Antoni will also bring strong winds to a swathe of Wales, southwest England and southern coastal areas of England. The strongest winds will affect parts southwest England and southwest Wales where exposed coasts and high ground could see gusts in excess of 60mph. In these areas, gusts inland could reach 50-55mph for a time. These windy conditions will likely coincide with high tides which will present an additional challenge for coastal areas.

“Busy travel networks at this time of year and the possibility of people having made plans to be outside have resulted in the system meeting our criteria for naming, with a strong chance of disruption for those within the warning areas.”

Warnings highlight potential transport disruption and the chance of some power cuts occurring.

What to expect when the Met Office issue a yellow wind warning:

There is a good chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected

There is a chance that some roads and bridges could close

There is a chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

There is a small chance of injuries from flying debris, and large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, as well as to temporary structures and tents

The spokesperson added: “Unseasonably windy conditions, accompanied by showers or longer spells of rain, will affect parts of England and Wales during Saturday.

“The highest winds are likely to affect Irish Sea coastal areas from early morning, pushing gradually south and east, and spreading inland, so that by the afternoon English Channel coasts will also see some very windy conditions.

“Widely, inland gusts of 35-40mph are possible, with a risk of 45-50 mph especially across parts of south Wales and southwest England.

“Gusts are expected to reach 50-55 mph in coastal areas, perhaps up to 60-65 mph in the most exposed coastal areas of Wales and southwest of England.

“Later in the afternoon and through the early evening, wind strengths will begin to slowly ease from the west.”