What is a red weather warning? Met Office alert meaning and where Storm Eunice warnings are in place

The warning covers coastal areas of the south-west of England and southern Wales, meaning strong winds could cause ‘possible danger to life’The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning ahead of Storm Eunice hitting the UK tomorrow.

The warning covers coastal areas of the south-west of England and southern Wales, alerting those in the area that strong winds could cause “possible danger to life”.

Storm Eunice follows just days after Storm Dudley brought 80mph winds to UK shores.

Eunice could be even more damaging, with winds in excess of 90mph and the chance of heavy snowfall.

Here’s what you need to know about the red warning, and what to expect from Storm Eunice.

Where is the red weather warning in place?

The red warning for wind is in place across the northern coast of south-west England and southern coast of Wales.

It starts at 7am on Friday and lasts until midday

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders said: “After the impacts from Storm Dudley for many on Wednesday, Storm Eunice will bring damaging gusts in what could be one of the most impactful storms to affect southern and central parts of the UK for a few years.”

“The red warning area indicates a significant danger to life as extremely strong winds provide the potential for damage to structures and flying debris. Although the most exposed coastal areas in the south and west could see gusts in excess of 90mph, winds will remain notably strong further inland, with gusts of between 70-80mph for most within the amber warning area.”

What is a red weather warning?

Red weather warnings are rarely issued by the Met Office, with the last one coinciding with Storm Arwen in November 2021. You would have to go back to March 2018 for the last red warning for wind before that.

A red warning for wind means to expect:

• Flying debris resulting in danger to life

• Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down

• Uprooted trees are likely

• Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights

• Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage

• Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes, including flooding of some coastal properties

The Met Office’s general definition for a red warning is as follows: “Dangerous weather is expected and, if you haven’t already done so, you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather. It is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure. You should avoid travelling, where possible, and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.”