Storm Arwen – Severe Weather Warning in Place

image of stormy weather and dark clouds through a window paneStormy Weather Ahead!

Weather Warning issued by Cotswold District Council today: 

Storm Arwen is a developing system as a result of low pressure sitting off the east of Scotland. The Storm will deepen over the next 12-48 hours as it moves south.

Showery spells of rain are expected today, but as Storm Arwen intensifies we will see winds gradually increasing and becoming more blustery as the day goes on.

This evening and overnight will be cold with strong winds blowing from the North with gusts reaching speeds of 40-50 mph or maybe 55 mph in some places. This will lead to disruption to transport, difficult driving conditions, damaged or fallen trees, structural damage and power cuts.

Wind speeds of this magnitude are not that unusual in winter, but the direction of the wind is – and with strong winds that come from unusual directions there tends to be more in terms of tree damage than we would normally expect – and buildings/transport routes that are usually well sheltered from strong winds can be exposed.

There is also a risk to temporary and seasonal structures/decorations.

So if you have put your Christmas lights and decorations up in your gardens – secure them well or take them down temporarily! Lest they blow away!