The Met Office have declared an Amber Warning for wind from 3am to 9pm on Friday 18February over a large section of the country, including Bedford Borough with the arrival of Storm Eunice.

According to the Met Office, Storm Eunice may cause significant disruption due to extremely strong winds on Friday. They advise to expect:

• There is 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
• There is a good chance that power cuts, possibly prolonged, could occur and possibly affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• It is likely there will be falling branches and some uprooted trees

Take measures to be prepared and stay safe including securing any loose objects such as ladders or garden furniture, and close and securely fasten your windows and doors.

There are also stronger winds expected overnight on Wednesday 16 February and into Thursday 17 February with Storm Dudley and a yellow warning is in place from1pm Wednesday to 6am on Thursday.

To report any fallen trees, branches or other obstructions on the roads, please call the Council’s Highways Helpdesk on 01234 718003.

UK Power Networks (www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk)and Western Power Distribution (www.westernpower.co.uk)are the two electricity distribution operators for the Borough. They can both be contacted by calling 105 (Free to call from a landline or a mobile phone). Please treat electricity cables as live, stay away and call105 immediately. If you see electricity lines that are down or causing significant risk to the public please call 999.

Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment said “With these weather warnings in place, especially the amber warning on Friday, please do take some time to get prepared. The Met Office is warning of flying debris, damage to homes likely, impact on transport such as railway lines and bridges, and the potential for power cuts. Visit www.metoffice.gov.uk for further information and advice.”

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