WARRINGTON is under a yellow Met Office weather warning for disruptive strong winds as a new storm is set to hit at the end of the working week.
The 24-hour storm yellow warning is in effect from midnight on Friday until midnight on Saturday.
Storm Eowyn is “expected to bring very strong winds and disruption on Friday”, the Met Office warned.
The storm is “expected to pass close to or across the north west of the UK on Friday before clearing to the north east on Saturday.”
A spell of “very strong winds is likely, initially southeasterly before turning westerly, with peak gusts of 50-60mph inland and 60-70mph along some coasts and hills.”
People are urged to prepare to “protect your property and people from injury.”
They are advised to check for loose items outside their homes and secure them – these include bins, garden furniture, sheds and fences.
Forecasters advise: “Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.”
There is a warning power cuts are likely to occur with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
Road, rail and air services are likely to be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. Some roads and bridges will close.
In Warrington, the Thelwall Viaduct on the M6 could potential be impacted if the winds pick up.
Motorists are urged to have essentials in their car – such as warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, torch and in-phone battery charger.
Pedestrians are warned of “injuries and danger to life could occur from flying debris, as well as large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.”
The Warrington-specific weather forecast shows temperatures for Friday around 9C.
However, due to the windchill it will feel colder with perceived temperatures of 1C to 5C due to the gusts.
The strongest gusts are predicted from 3am to 3pm – peaking at 12 noon when the wind speeds in the town are expected to hit 57mph.
By 9pm on Friday, the wind speed should drop to 31mph gusts before falling to 25mph at midnight on Saturday.
An additional Met Office yellow weather warning for fog was issued for midnight on Wednesday until 11am in the morning on January 22 through the rush hour.
It means driving conditions will be difficult as visibility is restricted.
