Brits in 39 areas warned to gather batteries and torches as Met Office issues yellow storm warning

The Met Office has urged Brits to prepare themselves in the event of a power cut after issuing a yellow weather warning for 39 areas across England and Wales.

This Friday (23 October), strong winds of up to 70 mph in some coastal areas could lead to ‘a slight chance of some damage to buildings’ and a ‘small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris’.

As well as possible gusts of 50–60 mph in some areas, there will also be ‘some periods of heavy rain which will make travel more difficult’, the Met Office – who has provided a recent update on the impact of a Super El Niño – says.

Due to the increased chance of power cuts, the national weather service has advised to ‘consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items’.

“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance,” it adds.

The Met Office says to keep a battery pack fully charged in the event of a power cut (Getty Stock Images)

Another thing you can do is ‘check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them’, from bins and garden furniture to trampolines, tents, sheds and fences.

If you want to give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays, ‘check road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary’.

“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,” the Met Office says.

“Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

39 areas affected by yellow weather warning:

The Met Office warns that 'there is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris' (Getty Stock Images)

London & South East England

• Brighton and Hove
• East Sussex
• Hampshire
• Isle of Wight
• Portsmouth
• Southampton
• West Sussex

South West England

• Bath and North East Somerset
• Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole
• Bristol
• Cornwall
• Devon
• Dorset
• Gloucestershire
• Isles of Scilly
• North Somerset
• Plymouth
• Somerset
• South Gloucestershire
• Torbay
• Wiltshire

Wales

• Blaenau Gwent
• Bridgend
• Caerphilly
• Cardiff
• Carmarthenshire
• Ceredigion
• Merthyr Tydfil
• Monmouthshire
• Neath Port Talbot
• Newport
• Pembrokeshire
• Powys
• Rhondda Cynon Taf
• Swansea
• Torfaen
• Vale of Glamorgan

West Midlands

• Herefordshire

What do the weather warning colours mean?

• Red Warning: Dangerous weather expected, with a high risk to life, major disruption and property damage.
• Amber Warning: Severe weather may cause significant disruption, travel delays, power cuts and potential risks to life and property.
• Yellow Warning: Weather may cause disruption, as the Met Office urges to check the warning updates.