The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for 57 areas across the UK, urging households to prepare for potential power cuts as Storm Dave brings fierce winds this Easter weekend. Warnings are in place from 6pm on Saturday until 12pm on Sunday, with gusts of up to 90mph possible in exposed locations.
Large parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England and Wales are covered by the warnings, coinciding with one of the busiest travel weekends of the Bank Holiday period. Forecasters caution that powerful winds could cause delays and cancellations across road, rail, air and ferry services, as well as disruption to mobile phone coverage and other essential services.
The Met Office advises people to gather torches, batteries, and mobile phone power packs in advance. They state: 'People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.'
Major cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Sunderland and Manchester are under warnings. Peak gusts of 50-60 mph are expected widely, with 60-70 mph in more exposed locations. Parts of Scotland, particularly the west, may see gusts of 80-90 mph in exposed areas for a time.
Residents are urged to secure loose items outside their homes, such as garden furniture, trampolines, bins, sheds, fences and tents, which could become hazardous in strong winds. Motorists should check road conditions before travelling, and rail passengers should look out for timetable changes and cancellations.
Coastal communities are warned about large waves, with the Met Office stating: 'Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.' Those near clifftops are advised to keep dogs on a lead and stay well back from the edge. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
