UK Coastguard issues warning ahead of expected storms

Laura Hodgetts
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Boat owners are being warned to batten down the hatches ahead of Storm Frank which looks set to hit coastal areas from the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Weather warnings are currently in place for coastal areas from Aberdeen to Shetland and from Stornoway, Belfast, down to Holyhead, Milford Haven and Falmouth.

Met Office yellow 'be aware' and orange 'be prepared' weather warnings for 30 December

Met Office yellow ‘be aware’ and orange ‘be prepared’ weather warnings for 30 December

Although additional rainfall may have an impact over land, it’s the predicted high winds that continue to cause most concern for the UK Coastguard.

Mark Rodaway, commander with HM Coastguard said: ‘Our advice to people remains the same. Check the weather and tidal conditions before you set out so you can prepare your vessel accordingly, or even ask yourself whether you should be going out at all.

‘At sea, changes in tidal streams could make conditions worse, particularly if the wind and tide are against each other, but above all, don’t take risks when a storm at sea is involved.’

He added: ‘We’ve all seen the dramatic pictures of flooding inland and seen from previous years, some equally dramatic images from coastal storms. Do not be tempted to go out and take those photographs yourself. No photograph or selfie is worth risking your life for.

However, as always, if you do see someone in trouble or are in trouble yourself, then call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’