Met Office Warns of Extreme Winds, Urges UK Households to Secure Homes This Weekend

The Met Office has alerted households across the UK to prepare for a day of severe winds this Sunday by ensuring that all doors and windows are securely shut. This advisory applies to 103 areas across England, Scotland, and Wales, as well as a separate alert for Northern Ireland, with weather experts predicting strong winds that could result in power outages, travel disturbances, and potential damage to property and outdoor spaces.

Residents are advised to focus on reducing risks by fastening doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of their homes, including large doors like those of garages. The recommendation also includes securing outdoor items such as garden furniture or ladders, which might otherwise become dangerous projectiles, and taking measures to protect vehicles by parking them in secure locations when possible.

Additional safety guidelines include closing and bolting loft trapdoors, especially in houses without steep roofs, and ensuring any storm shutters are properly fastened. In homes with high chimney stacks, it is recommended to reposition beds away from the wall. During the storm, it is advised that individuals remain indoors as much as possible, using the more sheltered parts of their houses when entering or exiting, and minimizing unnecessary movement from one room to another.

Forecasts indicate that southerly to southwesterly winds are expected to intensify from Sunday morning, peaking in the late morning to early afternoon with gusts potentially reaching 70 mph in some exposed regions. Accompanied by rain, the adverse weather conditions are anticipated to escalate the risk on roads and other outdoor areas, although winds are expected to gradually subside later in the afternoon and evening.