Met Office issues 12-hour 'danger to life' warning as 38 areas face power cuts

Met Office issues 12-hour 'danger to life' warning as 38 areas face power cuts Met Office weather forecasters have issued a yellow warning for strong winds for Friday, with 38 areas potentially facing power cuts and a 'danger to life' The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning ahead of strong winds that may cause damage and transport disruption. The warning, in place from midnight until noon on Friday, says strong westerly to northwesterly winds may spread across southern parts of England and Wales. Heavy rain could also make journeys more difficult. Gusts of 50 to 60mph are possible, with speeds potentially reaching 70mph or more in coastal and exposed areas. The winds are expected to ease from late morning into the early afternoon. However, the Met Office said that at this stage it remains uncertain where the strongest winds will hit. Areas covered by yellow wind warning London & South East England - Brighton and Hove - East Sussex - Hampshire - Isle of Wight - Portsmouth - Southampton - West Sussex South West England - Bath and North East Somerset - Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole - Bristol - Cornwall - Devon - Dorset - Gloucestershire - Isles of Scilly - North Somerset - Plymouth - Somerset - South Gloucestershire - Torbay - Wiltshire Wales - Blaenau Gwent - Bridgend - Caerphilly - Cardiff - Carmarthenshire - Ceredigion - Merthyr Tydfil - Monmouthshire - Neath Port Talbot - Newport - Pembrokeshire - Powys - Rhondda Cynon Taf - Swansea - Torfaen - Vale of Glamorgan West Midlands - Herefordshire People in the affected areas have been warned of a slight chance of damage to buildings, such as roof tiles being blown off. There is also a small chance of injuries and danger to life from large waves and flying debris, including beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties. Journeys may take longer because of delays and cancellations to road, rail, air and ferry services, and the closure of some roads and bridges. There is a slight chance of power cuts, which could affect mobile phone coverage and other services. The Met Office has advised people to secure loose items outside their homes, including bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences. Those planning to travel are urged to check road conditions before setting off. People are also advised to take care when walking near cliffs and to be aware of large waves along the coast. The Met Office recommends gathering essential items, including torches, batteries and a portable phone charger, in case of power cuts. This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link. You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage.