A Yellow Weather Warning for wind was in place across North Yorkshire and the rest of the UK on Monday 22 January 2024, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said. The service also reported that Storm Isha was bringing heavy rain to the county, with four flood warnings in place for its area at 11am that day.
The fire service set out what the wind warning could mean. It said disruption to travel and utilities across the UK was likely, that some damage to buildings could occur such as tiles blown from roofs, and that injuries and danger to life from flying debris were possible. Power cuts could occur with the potential to affect other services such as mobile phone coverage, it said. Near the coast, large waves and beach material thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and paths could cause obstructions or danger to life. Some roads and bridges might close, and road, rail, air and ferry services might be affected with longer journey times and cancellations possible.
The four flood warnings in place at 11am on 22 January, as listed by the service, were:
| Flood warning area |
|---|
| The River Ouse at York |
| The River Swale at Howe Village and Skipton Bridge |
| The River Ure at Boroughbridge campaign and caravanning site |
| The River Ure at Masham |
Several flood alerts were also in place, the service said.
"The Met Office have issued a Yellow Weather Warning for wind across North Yorkshire and the rest of the UK."
Why it matters for households
The fire service said being outside in high winds makes people more vulnerable to injury and that, where possible, people should stay indoors. It advised households to check for loose items outside the home and plan how to secure them in high winds, naming bins, plant pots, garden furniture, trampolines (turn upside down or secure with tent pegs) and sheds (ensure doors are locked). For journeys, it advised planning routes and checking for delays and road closures, listening for travel updates on the car radio, packing warm clothing, food, drink, a blanket and a torch, and taking a fully charged mobile phone with an in-car charger or battery pack. It said driving in strong winds can be extremely dangerous and that additional time and care should be taken, advising drivers to slow down to minimise the impact of wind gusts, be aware of high-sided vehicles and caravans especially on more exposed roads, be cautious overtaking them, grip the steering wheel firmly and give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual.
On the coast, the service advised checking local tide forecasts, being aware of large waves even from the shore as these can sweep people off their feet and out to sea, taking extra care near cliffs and keeping dogs on a lead, and calling 999 and asking for the coastguard in a coastal emergency. On flooding, it said flooding is extremely dangerous and can happen very quickly, and advised checking whether a property is at risk, signing up for free flood warnings to mobile, landline or email, and preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. It said it is always best to stay indoors during periods of heavy rain unless a property is flooded, and that it is safer not to drive in these conditions.
The Met Office explains the three warning levels, Yellow, Amber and Red, in its weather warnings guide, and households can read how to sign up for Met Office weather alerts. Guidance on whether to travel is covered in should I delay my journey in bad weather, and the storms and snow hub covers further preparation.
What happens next
No further warning updates or expiry times were given in the information published on 22 January 2024.
Sources (1)
- Keeping safe during high-winds and heavy rain - North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, northyorksfire.gov.uk
Met Office Weather Warnings
Delaying Journeys in Bad Weather
