Millions of people told to 'prepare' and buy batteries by Thursday
The Met Office has suggested that it is best to stock up in advance of emergencies
People are being urged to prepare for an incoming storm that is set to slam 70mph winds into parts of the UK. The Met Office has issued weather alerts ahead of potential power cuts, prompting a warning to check your battery supplies.
The worst impacts are expected to be felt across the continent and in France, and Meteo France has named it Storm Benjamin. However, the UK isn't getting off as lightly with yellow weather warnings in place for parts of the country starting at midnight on Thursday, October 23.
Storm Benjamin is expected to cross the south of the UK late on Wednesday and early Thursday, bringing gales and "an extensive and in places heavy swathe of rain". A number of weather warnings have been issued, including one blanket alert for rain and two separate wind warnings.
Today, October 22, the Met Office reports that much of the southern areas in England and parts of Wales are affected. One wind warning covers much of the west coast of Wales, going from Tenby to the Isle of Anglesey in north Wales, while another separate warning goes as far north as Hartlepool from Portsmouth.
As part of its public alert, the weather experts advise taking several precautions. On its website, a Met Office spokesperson advised: "Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them—including bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
"Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, and amending your travel plans if necessary. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance.
"It’s easy to do. Consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore, large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Hicks, said: “Low pressure moving across the south of the UK tomorrow will bring both a spell of heavy rain and areas of strong winds. The rain is expected to arrive from the southwest this evening, before spreading northeast to many parts of England and Wales during Thursday, leading to difficult driving conditions and the risk of flooding in a few places. At the same time, winds are expected to pick up along the southern coastal areas.
“However, it is not until Thursday morning that significantly strong north-westerly winds will first begin to affect parts of the west with gusts of 45 to 55 mph, locally 55mph around coasts expected. At the same time, northerly winds are expected to develop more widely across eastern areas, with gusts of 50-60 mph fairly widely and up to 70 mph near some coasts.
"Should Storm Benjamin be at the stronger end of expectations, there is a small chance of wind gusts very locally exceeding 70 mph for a time. It is worth noting that there is a greater than usual uncertainty surrounding the track and intensity of this low-pressure system, so the public should stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings as the situation evolves, with adjustments to the forecasts likely at short notice."
Away from the warning areas, Thursday will be a day of sunny spells and blustery showers, sometimes merging into longer spells of rain. Temperatures will be slightly below average, but it will feel quite cold, with brisk winds for most.