Bedford Borough is expected to experience high winds causing disruption to roads and rail, as well as increasing risk to people’s safety as Storm Eunice blows across the UK.
The Met Office has declared an Amber Warning for wind from 3am to 9pm on Friday 18 February over a large section of the country, but winds have already been picking up this afternoon.
An amber weather warning for wind from the Met Office, suggests there may be significant disruption and danger, including:
- A good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life
- Damage to buildings and homes is likely, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
- Roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
- There is a good chance that power cuts, possibly prolonged, could occur and possibly affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- It is likely there will be falling branches and some uprooted trees
Bedford Borough Council has joined the Met Office in their warnings, suggesting that people take measures to be prepared and stay safe.
This includes securing any loose objects such as ladders or garden furniture, and closing and securely fastening windows and doors.
Rail disruption expected
While the amber warning is for Storm Eunice, set to hit on Friday, Storm Dudley is also expected to deliver strong winds tonight Wednesday (16 February) and into Thursday.
The weather warnings have triggered East Midlands Rail (EMR) and Thameslink to issue “do not travel” recommendations on some routes.
For Bedford, St. Albans and London routes, Thameslink has advised people to “not travel on these routes, disruption to these services is anticipated and a significant reduction in service will apply.”
They go on to say that the only service on this route will be an all stations service which will run between Bedford and London St Pancras International every 15 minutes.
EMR has issued a similar warning, saying there will also be fewer trains on some routes and journey times will be significantly increased – with some journeys taking up to twice as long to complete.
It is advised that everyone checks before they travel by heading to the service updates pages on the Thameslink and EMR websites.
Matt Stacey, Head of Stations at East Midlands Railway, said: “We strongly advise customers who need to make a journey with us in the next few days to choose Thursday or Saturday.
“The strength of Storm Eunice will mean that on Friday there is likely to be widespread disruption to services across the country’s rail network.
“However, we understand that not everyone can rearrange their travel plans and customers may still need to travel by rail.
“If this is the case, we suggest customers leave themselves plenty of extra time to reach their destination.”
Fallen trees and power lines
Trees, branches and other debris may fall and cause obstructions on Bedford Borough’s roads.
If you come across a blocked road call the Council’s Highways Helpdesk on 01234 718003.
UK Power Networks (ukpowernetworks.co.uk) and Western Power Distribution (westernpower.co.uk) provide power across Bedford Borough.
If you see any damaged power lines you can contact them both by calling 105 for free from a landline or a mobile phone).
Do not approach damaged electricity cables as they may still be live.
If you see electricity lines that are down or causing significant risk to the public please call 999.
To keep up to date with further weather updates and advice, visit metoffice.gov.uk.
