Safety warnings issued for coastline ahead of predicted 70mph winds
Safety warnings have been issued for coastal areas of England and Wales as winds of up to 70mph are forecast.
A Met Office yellow weather warning for wind is in force for all of England and Wales from 9pm on Wednesday, with the strongest gusts expected in coastal areas and on hills.
The RNLI urged people to exercise caution if visiting exposed cliffs, seafronts or piers due to the “severe safety risk” caused by the wind, which is expected to be accompanied by heavy showers.
The charity’s head of water safety Gareth Morrison said: “We would encourage everyone to follow the latest Government guidelines on what they are able to do and where they are able to go during lockdown, but for anyone visiting a coastal area please understand the risks to be as safe as possible and not put unnecessary strain on front line services.
“In a normal year around 150 people lose their lives at the coast and we know that more than half of those never intended to be in the water.
“So, whether you are walking, running or cycling at the coast, please be extra responsible and avoid taking unnecessary risks or entering the water.
“In particular, we ask people to stay well back from stormy, wintry seas and cliff edges, check tide times before you go, take a phone with you, and call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you or someone else is in trouble.”
The bad weather is expected to start in the north-west of Scotland on Tuesday, with a yellow warning of wind issued by the Met Office for the Highlands and Eilean Siar (Western Isles) from 5pm to 11pm.
The forecaster said severe gales were expected and may lead to some disruption, but that they would decrease towards late evening.
On Wednesday evening England and Wales are expected to experience strong winds accompanied by heavy and blustery showers.
The Met Office warning said: “Strong and gusty winds are likely to develop on Wednesday evening and continue into Thursday across England and Wales.
“Gusts of 50-55 mph are possible inland, especially close to showers.
“Gusts may reach 60-70mph on coasts and hills, especially in the west, before gradually easing on Thursday afternoon.”
The forecaster warned the weather could cause delays to transport and short-term loss of power and other services.
The wind warning is in place for all of England and Wales until 3pm on Thursday.
Published: by Radio NewsHub