Storm Eunice: Major Incident declared - Danger to life through flooding and high winds
A red weather alert and flood warnings have been issued.
Gloucestershire’s Local Resilience Forum has this morning declared a major incident due to the risks posed by Storm Eunice.
A red weather alert and flood warnings running along the Severn Estuary up to Longford have been put in place for tomorrow morning (Friday 18 February) from 7am, coinciding with the arrival of Storm Eunice.
Police and our partners are now advising against all but essential travel in the morning. This will help keep everyone safe and reduce demand on services, which is expected to be very high.
Local agencies are asking residents in properties that are expected to flood to heed the warnings and take the necessary action. Residents across the county as a whole also need to be vigilant due to the high winds.
Staff from local councils and the emergency services will be knocking on doors this afternoon to ensure people who need to evacuate safely. Those who are evacuating are asked to pass on this notice and knock on neighbours’ doors if possible.
If you can, please stay with family or friends. Rest Centres are being set up by local councils for those who need them.
Information on the flood warnings can be found here:
www.check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and-warnings
Information on the red weather alert can be found here:
What to expect
- Flying debris resulting in danger to life
- Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
- Uprooted trees
- Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to public transport and flights
- Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes, including flooding of some coastal properties
What you need to do
If you live in a flood risk area, you are advised to leave your home and stay with family or friends if possible.
If you are unable to do that, you are advised to move to the nearest rest centre (check with your local council where these will be situated, links are below).
If you are isolating due to Coronavirus, you should still leave your property – please wear a mask, stay in a separate room if possible, and open a window if safe to do so.
More information
- Weather - Met Office www.metoffice.gov.uk
- Flooding - Environment Agency www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency
- Highways - Report highways emergencies 08000 514514. Drive slowly & safely. Beware of storm damage including fallen trees, and loose manhole covers that may be hidden by puddles. www.gloucestershire.gov.uk
- Road closures - https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/highways/roads/winter-and-severe-weather/current-road-closures/
- School closures - https://closures.gloucestershire.gov.uk/
- Flood mapping - https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and-warnings?q=gloucestershire
Danger to life – dial 999
The Local Resilience Forum is made up of emergency responders and agencies from across the county.