Keeping safe during high-winds and heavy rain

The Met Office have issued a Yellow Weather Warning for wind across North Yorkshire and the rest of the UK.

These are likely to bring some disruption to travel and utilities across the UK.

Some damage may occur to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs and injuries and danger to life may occur from flying debris are also possible.

Power cuts may occur, which the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

Near the coast large waves and beach material being thrown on to sea fronts and coastal roads and paths may also cause obstructions or danger to life.

Some roads and bridges may close because of these winds.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services may be affected with longer journey times and cancellations possibly.

How you can protect yourself, your property and other people during adverse weather conditions:

• 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) and sheds (ensure doors are locked)
• Plan any journeys, check routes for delays and road closures
• Listen out for travel updates on your car radio
• Pack for the worst – warm clothing, food, drink, blanket and torch
• Take a fully charged mobile phone with an in-car charger or battery pack

When driving in strong winds, please remember it can be extremely dangerous and additional time and care should be taken. Here are some more tips to help keep you safe:

• Drive slow to minimise the impact of wind gusts
• Be aware of high-sided vehicles and caravans, especially on more exposed roads
• Be cautious overtaking high-sided vehicles and caravans
• Make sure you firmly grip the steering wheel
• Give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual

Staying safe on the coast:

• Check the forecasts for tides in your local area, this can be done by visiting this website: Beach forecast and tide times – Met Office
• Be aware of large waves, even from the shore, as these can sweep you off your feet and out to sea
• Take extra care if walking near cliffs – know your route and if walking a dog, keep them on a lead
• In a coastal emergency call 999 and ask for the coastguard

Being outside in high winds makes your more vulnerable to injury, where possible, stay indoors.

Flooding and Heavy Rain

Storm Isha is also bringing heavy rain to the county and there are currently four flood warnings in place for our area.

At the time of writing (11am on Monday, 22 January, 2024) these include:

• The River Ouse at York
• The River Swale at Howe Village and Skipton Bridge
• The River Ure at Boroughbridge campaign and caravanning site
• The River Ure at Masham

There are also several flood alerts in place, and more information can be found here north yorkshire – flood alerts and warnings – GOV.UK (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk)

Flooding is extremely dangerous and can happen very quickly. The effects can be devastating. There are a number of thing you can do to prepare for flooding and to keep yourself safe.

First of all, check if your property is at risk of flooding, this can be done here: Check the long term flood risk for an area in England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Sign up for free-flood warnings direct to your mobile, landline or email, this can be done here: Sign up for flood warnings – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Prepare a flood plan. There are templates available online but the basics include:

• A list of useful contact numbers, including your local council, utility providers and insurances companies
• How to shut off your electricity and gas supply
• Move your valuable belongings to a safe place
• Think about your pets, car and furniture
• Who could you ask for help?
• Could you offer to help vulnerable friends or neighbours?

Prepare an emergency flood kit:

• Insurance documents and list of contact numbers
• Torch and spare batteries
• First aid kit and any prescription medicines
• Warm, waterproof clothes and blankets
• Battery or wind-up radio
• Supplies for your baby or pet

Make sure everyone in your home knows where this flood kit is stored and what to do if flooding happens. One excellent source of information for all flooding related material can be found here The Flood Hub

Like with high-winds, it is always best to stay indoors during periods of heavy rain, unless your property is flooded. It is safer not to drive in these conditions but if you must, you can do this more safely by:

• Slowing down and allowing additional time for your journey
• Using main roads
• Using dipped headlights
• Giving yourself more time to react on slippery surfaces
• Keep a bigger gap between vehicles
• Don’t be tempted to drive through floodwater, even the smallest amount can cause damage to a vehicle or cause it to move