THE impact of severe gales forecast for the whole of Somerset later this week is likely to be worse than originally predicted.

The Met Office has raised its wind warning level during Storm Eunice from yellow to amber.

The county is likely to be hit by strong winds of up to around 60mph from around midday on Friday (February 18).

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:

The winds will continue to batter Somerset into the early hours of Saturday.

The Met Office is warning people to expect:

  • 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;
  • a good chance that power cuts, possibly prolonged, could occur and possibly affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage;
  • large waves are likely and beach material is likely to be thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties;
  • it is likely there will be falling branches and some uprooted trees.