Major incident declared in Bristol region ahead of Storm Eunice

People are advised to avoid travelling and schools are likely to stay closed on Friday as Bristol prepares for Storm Eunice to hit.

The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for parts of the South West with extremely strong winds expected between 7am and midday. This could mean a danger of flying debris, which can cause injury or death, as well as damage to homes and buildings, power outages, uprooted trees and disruption to public transport and roads.

A major incident has been declared for the region, which has already been battered by Storm Dudley and Bristol City Council has advised schools to remain closed on Friday with people asked to check for updates online.

The incoming Storm Eunice is expected to bring severe gale force winds that could reach speeds of up to 90mph across the Bristol Channel early in the morning, coinciding with low spring tides.

The Environment Agency warns “very large, powerful waves” along the coast are expected as a result, with flood alerts in place for Severn Estuary and Severn Beach.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Our incident response staff are closing flood gates and liaising with emergency services. Please avoid using coastal footpaths and roads. We will update this message as the situation changes and new information is available.”

Metro mayor Dan Norris is urging people to “act sensibly and take all reasonable precautions” with the approach of Storm Eunice.

“People should stay indoors if possible and only take journeys if they are really necessary. Don’t risk your safety and please play your part in keeping the pressure off our amazing emergency services,” said Norris, adding: “Whilst delays and cancellations of trains and buses can be inconvenient I know First and GWR will be putting the safety of passengers and staff first.”

National Highways has warned drivers Storm Eunice is expected to create “severe driving conditions” across much of England and a significant risk to vehicles in the South West, where the government agency has also issued a red alert for gales.

Road users are advised to avoid travel unless it’s essential and there’s a high likelihood of both Severn Crossings being closed on Friday, with drivers of “vulnerable vehicles” such as high-sided vans or motorbikes “strongly advised” to avoid the roads.

Jeremy Phillips, head of road safety for National Highways, advises people to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary.

Phillips adds: “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.”

The latest travel information is available via www.trafficengland.com/.

Bristol Waste has also postponed all waste and recycling collections scheduled to take place on Friday due to the severe weather warnings. Recycling centres will also be closed for the day.

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Main photo by Betty Woolerton

Read more: Glass blown off top of hotel tower during Storm Dudley

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