North Oxfordshire prepares for Storm Ciara

North Oxfordshire is set to be battered by strong winds and rain through Sunday as storm Ciara passes through our area.   The Met Office has upgraded its warning as of the danger the storm represents to our area by upgrading to an earlier Yellow Weather Warning to an Amber Warning.

Gusts of up to 60 miles-per-hour are predicted for Sunday with winds set to grow in strength from Saturday evening onwards.

The Met office warn that winds of this strength could see flying debris leading to injuries or danger to life.   They also suggest there could some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, power cuts and interruption to other services, such as mobile phones.

Ahead of the wind arriving it is suggested loose objects are secured with ladders and garden furniture given as examples of what could be blown into windows resulting in them smashing.

Highways England have issued the following advice to those considering traveling: “Storm Ciara is expected to affect the region with Severe Gales this weekend. Please take extra care when travelling and consider whether your journey is necessary before setting out”.

Electricity infrastructure provider Western Power Distribution covers our area.   They said, “We are prepared for the strong winds Storm Ciara is estimated to bring this weekend.   We are continually monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates. If you need to report a problem to us, please call 105 for free”.

Keep listening to Banbury FM for regular updates on any problems due to storm Ciara.   If you have anything to report leave a message on 01295 297888, email studio@banburyfm.com, or message us on Facebook or Twitter.

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Full advice from the Met Office ahead of a storm:

• Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them
• Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages
• Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences
• Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if roof pitch is less than 30°
• If the house is fitted with storm shutters over the windows then ensure that these are closed and fastened
• If chimney stacks are tall and in poor condition, move beds away from areas directly below them

Advice from the Met Office during a storm

• Stay indoors as much as possible
• If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees
• Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences – if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side
• Do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress
• If possible, enter and leave your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you
• Open internal doors only as needed, and close them behind you
• Take care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges, or high open roads, delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible
• Slow down and be aware of side winds, particular care should be taken if you are towing or are a high sided vehicle
• Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary

Advice from the Met Office after a storm

• Be careful not to touch any electrical/telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging
• Do not walk too close to walls, buildings and trees as they could have been weakened
• Make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them make arrangements for any repairs

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Published: 08/02/2020 03:41pm by Banbury FM Newsteam

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