Warning as 80mph storm gets set to strike

1:09pm Sunday 9th March 2008

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The worst storm of the winter is set to hit Britain.

Winds of up to 80mph, rain and hailstones are set to batter the country when an intense low pressure system reaches its shores from midnight.

Airports and ferry companies warned of possible delays and cancellations, while motoring organisations advised drivers to take care in potentially dangerous conditions.

Power supplies could be disrupted, trees uprooted and buildings damaged when the storm takes hold. The Environment Agency has urged people to stay away from coastal areas as the storm brings the risk of high waves and flooding.

A Gatwick airport spokesman said the airport was prepared for possible cancellations or delays when the storm strikes.

She said: "We are in regular contact with the Met Office, and our airfield operations are ready to take guidance from them.

"Operations are running as usual at the moment, and we have to deal with each issue on its own merit, but if the weather is as bad as currently predicted, there may be delays or cancellations."

A spokesman for Heathrow said the airport was unlikely to make any decisions on delaying or cancelling flights until late tonight or early tomorrow, adding: "Bad weather has led to the cancellation of flights in the past. We advise passengers to check with airlines before they travel."

The storm is forecast to develop out of a strong jet stream that moved out of Canada yesterday, crossing the Atlantic before hitting the UK today and tomorrow.

The storm is set to hit the country in two waves, according to Meteogroup UK, the weather division of the Press Association, with more bad weather on the way later this week.

Rachel Vince, senior forecaster at Meteogroup, said the winds would start to pick up soon after midnight, with heavy rain, hail and lightning moving across the country overnight.

"It's unlikely we could expect gales as strong as the 1987 one," she said.

"Nevertheless, where you do see the strongest winds you could expect some trees to fall and possibly some structural damage to buildings."

She added there is a "little bit" of snow expected, but only on higher ground above 300 metres.

P&O Ferries has cancelled its sailings from Portsmouth to Bilbao today and from Bilbao to Portsmouth on March 11 because of the severe weather warning, according to an announcement on its website.

The company's sailings between Dover and Calais are being delayed by up to an hour because of the weather conditions.

The unsettled weather is due to climax tomorrow morning, then ease off before worsening again in the evening, with fierce westerly gusts in the west and south of the country.

The RAC advised drivers to be prepared for hazardous driving conditions over the next few days.

A statement said: "If you're planning on going on a journey over the next few days, please take extra care, especially on open stretches of exposed toads and when crossing bridges and high-sided vehicles.

"Allow extra time for your journey and be careful if towing a caravan or trailer."

David Rooke, head of flood risk management at the Environment Agency said: "People living in properties in low-lying exposed coastal areas along the south west, Wales and north-west England should make sure they are monitoring the situation from Sunday afternoon onwards by checking flood updates on the Environment Agency website or ringing Floodline.

"The strong winds will combine with spring high tides to significantly elevate the water levels along the coast which is likely to cause some flooding.

"We understand that people are fascinated by the sea but at times like this we do urge them not to go and watch the high waves - it is extremely dangerous and only takes a few seconds for someone to be knocked off their feet, into the water."

Greg Gladwell, director of claims for insurers Norwich Union, said homeowners should take precautions to minimise damage to their house or car.

He said: "Ensure that all garden furniture, potted shrubs and plants, children's toys or anything that is moveable, are properly secured or locked away from the elements.

"Often it is flying objects that cause the most damage in high winds.

"Also, have a quick check for any loose tiles or slates and make sure shed or conservatory windows and doors are tightly shut. And if you have a garage, use it."

Martin Young, chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "It will be very windy for many parts of the UK in the early part of next week, but especially so across coasts in the south.

"Southerly winds are expected to strengthen during the early hours of Monday causing severe gales.

"After a brief respite, further westerly severe gales are forecast for later in the day and into the early hours of Tuesday."

:: If you believe you are at risk of flooding call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for advice on what to do before, during and after a flood.