Leeds to bear brunt of Storm Debi amid Met Office weather warning

Northern England – including Leeds – is expected to bear the brunt of Storm Debi on Monday.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather ^[1] warning for wind in much of the North and a yellow weather warning for wind and rain in Northern Ireland. The Environment ^[2] Agency has issued five flood warnings (expect imminent flooding) and 47 flood alerts (flooding possible) across the UK including one on the other side of Yorkshire along the River Derwent, near Scarborough.

While the flooding is most likely to be confined to the South West, the south coast of England and East Anglia, The North is expected to be hit with strong winds.

“There is a chance of 60-65 mph gusts developing inland and 70-80 mph around coasts, and over some higher ground, such as the Pennines,” the Met Office has said.

The office adds: “Storm Debi is expected to develop and move across Ireland and northern England on Monday. Whilst 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 northwest England on Monday morning before extending inland during day, slowly easing later.”

Their warning states: “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.

A yellow weather warning has been issued (Image: PA)

“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.”

Storm Debi is expected to bring heavy rain, although there is only a heavy rain warning for Northern Ireland. The South West and south coast of England plus East Anglia are expected to receive the worst of the flooding with flood warnings (more serious than flood alerts) issued.

National Highways has issued a severe weather warning for gales in the North West of England tomorrow, between 9am and 4pm. Storm Debi is expected to develop over Ireland overnight before moving east across the far north of the network tomorrow morning.

This storm will bring a period of very strong winds across north Cheshire, Lancashire and southern Cumbria in particular including the M62 and A628 trans-Pennine routes. Winds within this area will widely gust 50-60 mph with 60-70 mph gusts on routes to the west of the M6 and over the Pennines with 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 (as well as outside the North West region) will also be strong with winds 40-50 mph widely.

Winds will slowly ease from the west from mid-afternoon, but will remain strong in to the evening.

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.

“We have a section of our website ^[4] dedicated to travelling amid storms, high winds and gales, and considerations for different types of vehicle, as part of our guide to travelling in severe weather. It’s also a good idea for people to check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.”

People are also reminded to remember TRIP – Top-up: oil, water and screenwash, Rest: every two hours, Inspect: tyres and Prepare: for weather conditions.

Vulnerable Vehicles

Certain types of vehicles are more prone to the effects of high winds.

Motorhomes
Vans
Transit vans with modifications
Vehicles towing trailers or caravans,
Motorcycles
Tippers
Double decker buses
Articulated HGVs
Abnormal loads
Car transporters
High-sided rigid HGVs

If your vehicle is susceptible to high-wind conditions, consider delaying your journey until weather conditions improve if you can.

When you’re on the road

Slow down and keep focused on the road ahead – you may encounter debris blown in by the wind
Avoid using exposed sections of road if possible. Lorries, caravans and motorbikes are at particular risk.
Use both hands on the steering wheel to keep good control of your vehicle -gusts of wind can cause your vehicle to shake
Look out for gaps in trees or buildings, or when crossing bridges – you’re more likely to encounter side winds here
Keep room on either side of your vehicle to allow for it being blown sideways
Watch out for side winds when passing larger high-sided vehicles – keep room on either side of your vehicle to allow for it being blown sideways

Road users should heed messages on the overhead signs and listen for radio updates. Further information can be found by visiting www.trafficengland.com ^[5] or calling the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

References

^{^} weather (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
^{^} Environment (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
^{^} Met Office Leeds warning as they predict ‘wettest time of the year’ (www.leeds-live.co.uk)
^{^} section of our website (74n5c4m7.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me)
^{^} www.trafficengland.com (www.trafficengland.com)