Heavy snow, gale pressure winds and widespread energy cuts predicted as Storm Dave ‘deepens’ over Easter weekend – as amber climate warning comes into pressure
Britons are bracing for heavy snow, gale force winds and widespread power cuts as Storm Dave ‘continues to deepen’ over the Easter weekend.
An amber weather warning for wind has been issued by the Met Office for parts of northern England, Scotland and Wales this evening.
The forecaster told Britons to be wary of flying debris that could lead to ‘injuries’ or pose a ‘danger to life’.
Storm Dave could also bring as much as 30 centimetres of snow to parts of Scotland, the Met Office said.
A yellow warning for heavy snow and blizzards causing some travel and power disruption has been issued for Grampian and the Highlands until 3am tomorrow.
The Met Office’s forecast said: ‘Storm Dave will continue to deepen as it moves north-eastwards.
‘Heavy rain and snow will also bring some disruption.’
Gusts of wind of up to 66mph have already been recorded in Capel Curig, north Wales.
The Northern lights are visible over St Mary’s lighthouse in Whitley Bay on Friday
High winds from Storm Dave brought down a large tree onto a car in North Tyneside
The Met Office has now issued two Amber weather warnings – meaning a potential ‘danger to life’
Meanwhile, the Energy Networks Association – which represents electricity network operators – has warned of potential power cuts due to the strong gusts.
It said in a statement on Saturday: ‘The storm has the potential to affect local power infrastructure, increasing the risk of a power cut and fallen power lines.
‘Network operators are increasing staffing for operational teams, and moving spare equipment to where the weather is expected to be most disruptive, so it’s ready to use if needed.’
The organisation shared advice for how to prepare for the severe weather, including to keep a torch ready and to boil water and keep it in a Thermos in case the power goes out.
The statement added: ‘You can call 105 for free in England, Scotland and Wales to report power cuts and receive updates.
‘Remember, during power cuts, modern internet-powered landlines and mobile masts might not work.
‘If you see damaged power lines or lines brought down over the coming days, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it, or dial 999 if there’s an immediate danger to life.
‘Make sure your neighbours are okay, especially if they’re elderly or vulnerable.’
Storm Dave is expected to cause some travel disruption as tens of thousands of Britons head out on the roads for their Easter getaways.
The A66 is currently closed in both directions to all high-sided vehicles due to the strong winds, National Highways said in a statement.
It added the road will be closed to all vehicles from 9pm.
‘Road users travelling across the Pennines are advised to plan ahead and consider alternate routes such as the A69,’ it said.
Those travelling in Scotland have been urged to check their journeys before setting off.
George Fiddes, from Transport Scotland, said: ‘Storm Dave is a timely reminder that we can face challenging weather conditions at any time of year, not just during the winter period.
‘The Met Office warnings show high winds will impact the whole country this weekend, with the prospect of some areas also being affected by heavy rain and snow, so I’m urging people to plan ahead if they are travelling over the Easter period.
‘Motorists should check their planned routes before setting off.’
Pictured: A car crushed by a tree in north Tyneside as gusts of winds batter the northeast
Passengers queue to use the Channel Tunnel at the LeShuttle site in Folkestone, Kent yesterday, as many travel to the continent for their Easter weekend getaways
Police in the country have also urged HGV and bus drivers to use ‘extreme caution’ when Storm Dave hits at the weekend.
Parts of Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Northumberland, north Wales and Scotland are all covered by the Met Office’s amber warning for wind.
It came into effect at 7pm tonight and is due to remain in place until 3am tomorrow morning.
Greg Dewhurst, a Met Office meteorologist, said: ‘There is cold air across Scotland at the moment and, as the rain pushes across this afternoon, it is going to turn to snow.
‘We’ll see heavy snow forming across parts of the Highlands as we go through the rest of the afternoon into the evening time and early hours, as much as 20 to 30 centimetres could fall over the higher ground, and five to 10 centimetres over lower ground.’
Those driving in the areas covered by the weather warning have been urged to check their journeys before setting off.
Network Rail Scotland said the worst affected lines would be on the Ayrshire coast, the East Coast Main Line and in the north-east.
Temperatures are nevertheless expected to rise after Easter Monday, as warmer air comes in from Europe.
Mr Dewhurst added: ‘On Tuesday, warmer air moves in across England and Wales from the near continent through Tuesday and into Wednesday.
‘We will see temperatures rising to the low 20s, with highs around 20C or 21C on Tuesday, and possibly 23C or 24C come Wednesday.
‘The sunniest skies on Wednesday may be limited to south-east England, where 23 and 24 is most likely.’
He added that mid-20s temperatures are normal for April as the sun starts getting stronger.
