​Met Office Issues 'Danger To Life' Warning As Storm Freya Hits UK

Batten down the hatches, folks, as Storm Freya is heading our way and she's looking a bit mean - with the Met Office issuing a severe 'danger to life' weather warning.

According to the Met Office website, winds will strengthen through Sunday afternoon, with gusts of 55-65mph expected across England, Wales and southern Scotland.

In coastal areas, those speeds are likely to reach 70-80mph, especially in Devon, Cornwall, Wales and north-west England.

Injuries and danger to life are 'possible' - both from flying debris and large waves - while there could also be some damage to buildings and trees. Travel may also be affected, and power cuts may occur.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: "Storm Freya undergoes rapid cyclogenesis late Saturday and early Sunday as it moves across the eastern Atlantic Ocean towards the British Isles, this means the area of low pressure will deepen quickly as it moves towards us.

"This is a developing situation and the track of Freya's strongest winds could change over the next few days, so we are advising people to keep an eye on the latest forecast and warnings from the Met Office."

Kelly also said conditions near coast areas could be especially dangerous due to the wind 'whipping up large waves'.

Highways England's Head of Road Safety, Richard Leonard, added: "We're encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve. If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.

"In high winds, there's a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we'd advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.

"Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space. In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes."

Stay safe out there, everyone.

Topics: Weather, News, UK

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

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