North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service issued a warning on 13 November 2023 that Storm Debi was affecting North Yorkshire, with an amber warning for wind in place for parts of the county, mainly the west1. The service said the remainder of the country had also had a yellow warning issued for wind and rain1.
The service set out what an amber warning means and the impacts it said were likely. It listed flying debris that could lead to injuries or danger to life; probable damage to buildings such as tiles blown from roofs; longer journey times and cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected; some roads and bridges likely to close; a good chance of power cuts, with the potential to affect other services such as mobile phone coverage; and injuries and danger to life from large waves and beach material thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties1.
"An amber warning means there is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans."
The service's guidance covered property, travel and being outdoors. It advised checking for loose items outside the home and planning how to secure them in high winds, naming bins, plant pots, garden furniture, trampolines (to be turned upside down or secured with tent pegs) and sheds (with doors locked)1. For journeys, it advised planning the route, checking for delays and road closures, listening for travel updates, packing warm clothing, food, drink, a blanket and a torch if essentials are not already in the car, and taking a fully charged mobile phone with an in-car charger or battery pack1.
On driving, the service said it is safer not to drive in these conditions, but that those who must drive can do so more safely by driving slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts, being aware of high-sided vehicles and caravans on more exposed roads, being cautious when overtaking them, holding the steering wheel firmly, giving cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual, using main roads, leaving a bigger stopping gap and using dipped headlights1. It advised staying indoors as much as possible in high winds and, if going out, trying not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees1. It added that it is not safe to drive, walk or swim through floodwater, and that anyone affected by fast flowing or deep water should call 999 and wait for help1.
| Warning | Area | Hazards named by the service |
|---|---|---|
| Amber | Parts of North Yorkshire, mainly the west | Wind: flying debris, building damage, travel disruption, road and bridge closures, power cuts, coastal waves1 |
| Yellow | Remainder of the country | Wind and rain1 |
Why it matters for households
The amber warning applied to households in western parts of North Yorkshire from the time of the service's statement on 13 November 2023, with yellow wind and rain warnings for the rest of the country1. The service said power cuts may occur with the potential to affect other services such as mobile phone coverage, and that road, rail, air and ferry services were likely to see longer journey times and cancellations, with some roads and bridges likely to close1. Its advice to households was to secure loose items outside the home, to stay indoors as much as possible, and, for those who must travel, to plan routes, check for delays and closures and carry warm clothing, food, drink, a blanket, a torch and a charged phone with an in-car charger or battery pack1. It advised against driving, walking or swimming through floodwater and said to call 999 if affected by fast flowing or deep water1. The Met Office's warning levels are explained in the guide to Met Office weather warnings, and households can read about signing up for Met Office weather alerts.
What happens next
The service did not state in its statement when the amber warning would end, and no end time has been reported1.
Met Office Weather Warnings
Delaying Journeys in Bad Weather
Driving in Strong Winds
