Yellow warning for high winds and flood alert issued

Met Office forecasters have issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds across Cheshire lasting until tomorrow morning. The Environment Agency is also warning of a flood alert in place around the River Dee catchment in Chester.

The yellow warning of high winds begins at 6pm tonight, with Met Office forecasters saying it will linger until 3am tomorrow (December 28).

The Met Office says: "A brief spell of very windy conditions is likely through Wednesday evening and night, bringing the chance of some disruption."

READ: The 2,000-year-old Roman urn found in Chester garden that sparked a police investigation[1] The extraordinary find turned up in the garden of a house in Chester during building work back in 1981

READ: The Christmas Day 'mystery' at Chester Cathedral in 1836[2] Strangely spooky goings-on were reported inside Chester Cathedral on Christmas Day 1836

The Met Office adds: "During Wednesday evening and night, a further spell of very strong south westerly winds is expected to sweep east to produce gusts of 50 to 60 mph. There is also the potential for gusts of around 70-75 mph near exposed coasts and over high ground. Heavy, squally showers will accompany these strong winds. The winds will ease later in the night."

The Met Office warns that there is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, with a small chance of injuries from flying debris. They also warn of some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport and for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes expected.

There could also be some short term loss of power and other services, with coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities affected by spray and or large waves.

Meanwhile, a flood alert is in place for the River Dee catchment from Whitchurch to Chester., meaning flooding is possible.

An Environment Agency spokesperson says: "River levels are continuing to rise on the River Dee in response to rainfall and are expected to keep rising throughout the week. Flooding is possible at low lying land and roads around the River Dee at Shocklach, Farndon, Handley, Lower Kinnerton, Chester[3] and Puddington.

"Townfield Lane at Farndon is likely to be cut off this afternoon. River levels are expected to remain high through to Friday (December 29). We will continue to monitor the forecast and re-issue this alert if necessary.

"Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water."

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References

  1. ^ The 2,000-year-old Roman urn found in Chester garden that sparked a police investigation (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
  2. ^ The Christmas Day 'mystery' at Chester Cathedral in 1836 (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
  3. ^ Chester (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
  4. ^ Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)