AN AMBER weather warning has been issued for Southampton as Storm Eunice is expected to hit with high-speed winds.

The Met Office upgraded the initial yellow alert this morning, stating that gusts of up to 100mph could be possible along the south coast.

Caution is being urged from 3am until 9pm on Friday, February 18.

The warning states: "There is a good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life."

Previously, a yellow alert had been issued for the whole of the county from midnight until 9pm.

The Met Office says the named storm may cause “significant disruption due to extremely strong winds on Friday.”

"Extremely strong winds may develop over southwest England early on Friday, before spreading north and east during the day," said the service.

"Whilst there is still some uncertainty in the track of Eunice, there is an increasing likelihood of widespread inland wind gusts of 60-70 mph and up to 80 mph in a few places.

"Around coasts of west Wales and southwest England, gusts of 90 or possibly even 100 mph are possible. Winds are expected to ease across western areas through the afternoon, and eastern areas during the evening.”

What to expect

 

  • There is a good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life
  • Damage to buildings and homes is likely, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
  • Roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
  • There is a good chance that power cuts, possibly prolonged, could occur and possibly affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
  • Large waves are likely and beach material is likely to be thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
  • It is likely there will be falling branches and some uprooted trees