SOMERSET residents are bracing themselves for potential disruption amid weather warnings for wind and rain as Storm Éowyn passes through the UK.
The storm could bring gusts in excess of 80mph on exposed coasts in Northern Ireland, northern England, north west Wales and western Scotland.
A yellow warning for wind has been put in place for Somerset and the south west of England, the western parts of Wales, and the south coast of England from 7am until 6pm on today (Thursday, January 23).
Friday will see more disruption amid a rain warning which has been issued for Somerset and the wider south west and the southern coast of England from midnight until 9am on Friday (January 24). Much of the country face a yellow wind warning for the entire day.
Weather warnings will continue through the weekend as Somerset has been issued a yellow wind warning for Sunday January 26 from 8am to 3pm alongside a yellow rain warning that lasts from 8am until 6am on Monday January 27.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: “Storm Éowyn is expected to bring very strong winds and widespread disruption on Friday. There are currently a number of weather warnings in place, with all parts of the UK covered by one warning at some point on Friday.
“Storm Éowyn is expected to cross Northern Ireland early on Friday morning. It will then continue northeast across the northern half of Scotland during Friday afternoon and is expected to be centred near Shetland during Friday evening.
“The strongest wind gusts are likely to be felt across parts of Northern Ireland, southern and central Scotland, northern England and northwest Wales, where exposed sites could get gusts in excess of 80mph, possibly 90mph, which has the potential to cause impacts for those in these areas. The focus for the highest winds shifts to Scotland on Friday night into Saturday.
“An Amber weather warning for wind has been issued and covers Northern Ireland, parts of Scotland and northern England for most of the day on Friday before winds gradually ease later in the day.”