As the Met Office has warned of strong winds and heavy rain, HM Coastguard is urging people to take extra care.

In some parts
of the country, conditions on the sea and along the coast are extremely
treacherous with gale-force winds, high tides and heavy rain. Sending
units to help people in these types of avoidable incidents will also put
rescue teams at risk.

A Coastguard spokesman said: ‘If you do
decide to venture out, check the prevailing weather conditions and make
sure that you can handle them.

‘If you are taking photos of the sea, take
care, a great photo is not worth risking your life for. If in doubt,
don’t go out.

‘Some sections
of the coast are also particularly vulnerable to cliff falls and
landslips. We are again advising the public to take great care when
walking on cliff paths or along beaches, and take note of any warning
signs in place.’

HM Coastguard’s
advice is: don’t take risks. But if you do get into difficulty,
or spot someone who might be in trouble, call 999 and ask for the
Coastguard.

Boat owners should also ensure their vessels are made secure.

The Met Office’s Phoebe Smith said gale force gusts were expected along the coast through the Irish Sea and English Channel, while up to 40ml of heavy rain could fall in parts of south Wales and into the South West coast of England today and tomorrow.

She said: ‘We’ve got several warnings in force today as an area of low pressure moves across the country.’

The Environment
Agency has warned that the high winds and tides will bring an increased risk of coastal
flooding along coastal areas of England this weekend.

Areas at risk on Saturday and Sunday include coasts
and tidal areas of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Bristol and South
Gloucestershire as gales and big waves combine to cause possible
overtopping of flood defences and sea walls, property flooding and
travel disruption.
 

Picture: A boat rescue during the recent St Jude’s Storm; The Met Office weather forecast for Saturday 1 February 2014