Residents of Melton and the Vale of Belvoir are being urged to prepare for severe weather which is heading our way tomorrow.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for most of Central England which is in place from 5am tomorrow morning (Friday) until 9pm tomorrow evening.
Disruption is expected across Melton & The Vale tomorrow. Photo: NEMM File Image
The warning comes as Storm Eunice is set to batter central England with heavy winds, as high as 80mph hit our area.
Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service have tweeted this morning to suggest staying in doors where possible and securing any loose objects outdoors.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for our area which suggests that disruption could be possible tomorrow.
An amber weather warning means there is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans. This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property.
The Met Office suggest that you should think about changing your plans and taking action to protect yourself and your property. You may want to consider the impact of the weather on your family and your community and whether there is anything you need to do ahead of the severe weather to minimise the impact.
The weather warning suggests the following:
There is a good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life
Damage to buildings and homes is likely, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
Roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
There is a good chance that power cuts, possibly prolonged, could occur , perhaps affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
Large waves are likely and beach material is likely to be thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties, and flooding of some coastal properties seems likely.
It is likely there will be falling branches and some uprooted trees
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.”
Train Operator Cross Country which operates services to Stansted Airport and Birmingham New Street through Melton Mowbray have advised people not to travel due to the storm and upcoming strike action.
In a statement online they said: "We are expecting widespread disruption to our services due to planned strike action by the RMT (The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers), and due to the Storm Eunice.
Disruption is to be expected on Friday 18 February, Saturday 19 February and Saturday 5 March as we will only be able to run a very limited timetable, with the cancellation of many of our services.
We are advising customers to alter their plans where possible and to avoid travel on either Friday 18 February, Saturday 19 February or Saturday 5 March.
We recommend you check your journey before you travel."
Tomorrow's weather forecast for the East Midlands from the Met Office says: "Heavy rain, with hill snow and perhaps low level snow, soon clearing. Winds quickly increase, becoming extremely strong and potentially disruptive. Spells of rain or snow arrive through the afternoon."
The RSPCA has also issued advice on how to care for animals in severe weather.
RSPCA spokesperson Amy Ockelford said: “Storm Dudley hit parts of the UK hard earlier this week and now forecasters are predicting that Storm Eunice could be even stronger. We’re urging pet owners to keep an eye on the forecast where they live and to plan ahead to ensure the safety of their animals.”
Tips to keep pets safe during stormy weather
Ensure you have a supply of food and medication for your pets;
Ensure cats have access to the house or a warm, inside area where they can stay dry and escape the weather - if the weather becomes extreme, you could keep cats inside;
Plan dog walks around the worst of the weather, and avoid any dangerous locations;
If your dog is elderly, sick or feels the cold, get them a special coat to keep them warm;
Wear reflective clothing if it’s getting dark of visibility is poor,
Provide pets with a quiet, safe space to retreat to if they find the wind or storms frightening;
Provide outdoor pets, like rabbits, with lots of extra bedding and ensure poultry, like chickens and ducks, have safe, dry shelter;
Move outdoor pets inside or into a suitable outbuilding if the weather becomes extreme;
Make a flood escape plan and ensure you have suitable carriers for small animals as well as collars, leads and carriers for cats and dogs should you need to evacuate;
Rug horses and ponies and ensure they have adequate shelter or move them into stables if the weather is extreme;
Make arrangements with a reliable, experienced friend to care for your horse or livestock in case you can’t reach them due to fallen trees or flooding;
Consider leaving your contact details on field gates in case of emergency;
Wild animals can struggle to find food and water during extreme weather, or may get lost or blown off course - leave out food and water for wildlife and seek help if you find an injured or stranded animal.
The RSPCA is part of Defra’s National Flood Response Team and has about 100 officers trained and equipped to deal with flood-stricken animals, as well as a fleet of 35 inflatable boats.
The team can be placed on standby to respond to flooding emergencies, rescue animals and people, and support multi-agency flood evacuations.
If your area floods you should consider moving your animals to higher ground (if outside) or moving pets inside - preferably upstairs. If you have to leave pets behind, ensure they have plenty of food and water, leave notices on outside doors making it clear that there are animals inside who need help and contact your local flood warden immediately.
Never put your own life in danger to attempt an animal rescue. If you’re concerned about an animal in stormy weather or flooding please take a note of the location and time, and call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 for advice.
Amy added: “Be sure you have a plan so you know how to get your family, and your animals, out of danger should flooding affect you. Floodwater can rise rapidly so we would urge people to act early and never to put themselves at risk to help an animal but to call our emergency rescuers on 0300 1234 999 for help.”
Leicestershire Police has also urged people to minimise travel where possible.
In a statement the force said: “The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Leicestershire and Rutland as Storm Eunice hits the UK.
Strong winds have been forecast both today and tomorrow, with heavy rain tonight. There may be some snow over higher ground.
Disruption to travel is likely and we are urging people across our force area to minimise travel where possible.
Any information and advice regarding road closures will be published on our social media channels.”
You can keep up to date with any disruption in our area by following our social media channels below.
If you spot anything that we're missing please email info@nemm.co.uk
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