As Storm Ciaran, often referred to as a ‘weather bomb,’ approaches Britain, the nation is preparing for significant disruptions. Schools are closing, and flood defenses are being erected to safeguard homes and communities in the path of the impending tempest.
The Channel Islands have issued a red warning, anticipating hurricane-force winds of up to 100mph, resulting in the cancellation of ferries and flights.
In Jersey, students have been instructed to stay home due to concerns of a storm of historic proportions, reminiscent of the 1987 Great Storm.
The impact is widespread, with Southampton City Council advising the closure of all schools in the area.
Additionally, three schools in Fareham and one in Stubbington, among others in the south, are also suspending classes, with headteachers attributing the closures to the approaching storm.
In response to the impending deluge, the Environment Agency has been busy installing flood barriers in areas like Brighton, Exeter, and West Bay in Dorset.
Furthermore, business owners in flood-prone regions of Northern Ireland are diligently placing sandbags in front of their properties to minimize potential damage.
The Met Office has issued grave warnings, predicting that flying debris and flooding pose a ‘danger to life.’
Additionally, the storm could inflict ‘structural damage’ to buildings, including the potential for roofs to be torn off, power lines and trees to be felled, as well as significant travel disruptions and power outages.
Rain warnings have been issued for southern and western England and Wales, starting at 6pm today and lasting until 11.59pm tomorrow.
The warnings also extend to northeastern England and eastern Scotland from 6am tomorrow until 6am on Friday.
Furthermore, a yellow wind warning is in effect for southern England and south Wales from 9pm today until 11.59pm tomorrow, with amber wind warnings issued for the southwest and southeast from 3am to 11am tomorrow and 6am to 5pm tomorrow, respectively.
Stay safe and heed local advisories during this severe weather event.
