Kent is set to be battered by strong gusts earlier than expected with five hours of strong 60mph winds headed for the county.
Storm Eowyn is expected to bring powerful winds and some disruption on Friday – with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning for parts of the county.
Forecasters issued a warning yesterday amid reports a “weather bomb” is set to hit parts of southeast Kent from midnight on Friday for 24 hours.
Occurring when central pressure inside a larger low-pressure system rapidly falls, weather bombs typically create violent winds strong enough to bring down trees and cause structural damage.
But today a new alert has been issued, taking effect tomorrow at 7am and set to be lifted at 6pm.
“A band of heavy rain will move from west to east across the area on Thursday, bringing a four- to five-hour spell of strong and gusty winds,” the Met Office states.
“Winds are expected to reach 50 to 60mph over exposed coasts and hills.
“Winds, arriving across western areas during the morning will ease during the afternoon, whereas eastern areas will see winds peak during the afternoon.”
Then on Friday, very windy conditions are set to continue, with a 24-hour yellow weather warning coming into force at midnight.
Forecasters say injuries and danger to life “could occur” from flying debris, as well as large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
Buildings could be damaged – such as tiles blown from roofs – and power cuts are likely to occur, with the potential to impact other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
Road, rail, air and ferry services are likely to be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible.
And some roads and bridges may close.
“Storm Eowyn is expected to pass close to or across the northwest of the UK on Friday before clearing to the northeast on Saturday,” the Met Office website states.
“Whilst there is some uncertainty in the track of Eowyn, a spell of very strong winds is likely, initially southeasterly before turning westerly, with peak gusts of 50-60 mph inland, 60-70 mph around some coasts and hills, and perhaps up to 80 mph in exposed parts of western Scotland.
“The wind strength will gradually ease across southern areas later on Friday.”
