Amber warning in place as Storm Debi hits North Yorkshire

Storm Debi is currently affecting North Yorkshire.

There is currently an ‘amber warning’ for parts of the county in relation to wind.

This is mainly affecting the west of the county.

The remainder of the country has also had a yellow warning issued for wind and rain.

An amber warning means there is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans.

This could include:

• Flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life
• Probably some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
• Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected
• Some roads and bridges likely to close
• There is a good chance power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.

How you can protect your property and stay safe in strong wind

Protecting your property from damage and people from injury:

Don’t risk injury to others or damage to your property. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them in high winds.

Items include:

• Bins
• Plant pots
• Garden furniture
• Trampolines (turn upside down or secure with tent pegs)
• Sheds (ensure doors are locked)

Steps to take before a journey:

• Plan your route, check for delays and road closures
• Listen out for travel updates on your car/radio/Sat Nav
• If you don’t have essentials in your car then pack for the worst (warm clothing, food, drink, blanket, torch)
• Take a fully charged mobile phone with an in car charger and/or battery pack

Driving safely in strong wind and heavy rain
It is safer not to drive in these conditions but if you must drive you can do this more safely by:

• Drive slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts
• Be aware of high-sided vehicles and caravans on more exposed roads
• Be cautious when overtaking high-sided vehicles and caravans
• Make sure you hold the steering wheel firmly
• Give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual
• Use main roads
• Leave a bigger stopping gap in traffic
• Use dipped headlights

Avoiding injury when out and about

Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees.

Remember it is not safe to drive or walk or swim through floodwater, avoid it where possible and if you are affected by fast flowing or deep water call 999 and wait for help.