Met Office wind warning issued for Somerset as holidaymakers face …

Somerset is in for another battering this weekend as a wind warning has been issued by the Met Office. After a miserable few weeks of unseasonably wet and weather, many will be frustrated to learn that a yellow warning forwind has been enforced for Saturday (August 5).

The large puddle of yellow encompasses a large portion of England and more than half of Wales, with the latter’s south and west coasts set to get a thrashing. Outside of Somerset, holidaymakers in the tourist hotspots of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, and Brighton may want to secure their tents and beach enclosures.

All of the West Country, from parts of the Forest of Dean and South Gloucestershire to the Isles of Scilly, will be in for a windy day on Saturday, as will the rest of the south coast up to Eastbourne. The Met Office has warned that the “unseasonably windy weather” will affect parts of the UK on Saturday, potentially causing disruption to travel and outdoor activities.

West Country residents and holidaymakers should keep in mind that there is a “good chance” of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services will be affected. There is also a chance that some roads and bridges, such as the Severn Crossings between the Bristol area and South Wales, could close.

Power cuts may also occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage. Those who venture out amid the wind warning should be mindful of flying debris, which the Met Office has said could cause injuries, along with large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

The Met Office has also warned of a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, as well as to temporary structures and tents.

References

1. ^{^} Man, 20, killed in crash as devastated family pay tribute (www.somersetlive.co.uk)