People are being urged to stay well back from the violent waves and rough seas during Storm Eunice as it approaches from the Atlantic.
Weather warnings have been updated in association with #StormEunice
Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/0Dwyx5cevB
— Met Office (@metoffice) February 16, 2022
The storm – due on Friday (18 February) is expected to be the worst to hit Brighton and Hove since 2013, prompting the plea from council chiefs today.
They said that the storm would coincide with high spring tides, with high tide just after noon on Friday, adding to the dangers.
The dramatic scenes often draw people to the seafront during stormy weather but among the concerns are pebbles and shingle being sprayed on to the prom.
Brighton and Hove City Council said: “Residents and visitors in Brighton and Hove are being urged to stay safe as Storm Eunice heads towards Sussex.
“Storm Eunice is expected to bring a spell of extremely windy weather across our region from Friday.
“The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning (medium likelihood of high impacts) across England and Wales, including Brighton and Hove and across Sussex, between 3am and 9pm on Friday 18 February.
“Storm winds are predicted to be the strongest since 2013.
“While there is still some uncertainty in the track of Eunice, the wind is expected to reach its peak on Friday 18 February with gusts as high as 60 to 70 miles per hour and up to 80 miles per hour in some places.
“Impacts could include
- Damaged or fallen trees
- Difficult driving conditions
- Disruption to transport
- Isolated power cuts
…
“Brighton and Hove’s beaches can be extremely dangerous in stormy weather with violent waves coming from different directions, coupled with freezing temperatures and high spring tides.
“Our seafront team patrol the 13km (eight miles) of our seafront and look out for the safety of the public but we urge people to keep well away from high waves and rough seas.
“Strong winds and heavy rain can bring down branches and trees, damaging overhead power lines.
“Please only report fallen trees and hazards causing an immediate danger to 999.
