Storm Eunice Bristol: Police declare major incident as rare red weather warning sounded for city

‘Do not travel’ warning as major incident declared
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Storm Eunice has triggered a ‘major incident’ in Bristol, with residents asked not to leave their homes on Friday after a rare red weather warning was sounded for the area.

The Met Office warning, which carries ‘extremely strong winds’ and ‘danger to life’ alerts, will be in place from 7am until midday tomorrow (February 18).

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The warning has prompted Avon and Somerset Police to declare a ‘major incident’ due to potential for severe disruption and dangerous conditions, especially along the Bristol Channel.

A woman pulls down her hat against the wind as the UK awaits the arrival of Storm Dudley.A woman pulls down her hat against the wind as the UK awaits the arrival of Storm Dudley.
A woman pulls down her hat against the wind as the UK awaits the arrival of Storm Dudley.

Storm Dudley has already unleashed havoc in Bristol, with a major clear-up operation taking place at the Centre this morning (Thursday, February 17) after a pane of glass was knocked off the top of the Radisson Blu hotel by strong winds.

The gusts could reads speeds of 90mph by tomorrow, which could cause coastal flooding, affect trees and temporary structures and signal disruption for the road and rail network, flights, power and communications systems.

The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for Severn Beach and flood alerts for Porlock Weir, along the Severn between Avonmouth and Sharpness and along the Avon into Bristol.

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A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Members of the public are asked to avoid travelling on Friday morning wherever possible and to follow weather and travel bulletins on local radio or check on local media websites.

“Travel information will also be shared by National Highways, Travel Somerset, Travel West or you can check with your local public transport provider.

Emergency services, local authorities, National Highways and other voluntary and statutory agencies are on stand-by to put well-rehearsed plans into place.

“You can report trees fallen into a major road to National Highways and on local roads to your local authority.

“Please call 999 if there is an immediate risk to safety, such as a fallen live power cable.”

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