Gale force winds are set to batter parts of Suffolk and north Essex tomorrow as a ‘weather bomb’ brought by Storm Brian sparks a series of safety warnings.
Experts say dramatic weather conditions created by the phenomenon, caused when central pressure in an area of low pressure falls rapidly, will see 60mph winds hit parts of southern Britain this morning.
Also known as explosive cyclogenesis, the weather bomb creates a jet stream of strong winds high up in the atmosphere which interact with the low pressure system.
Dramatic waves, high-speed winds and rain could hit coastal areas in Suffolk and north Essex as a result of the weather system and – a yellow Met Office warning for wind is in place from 4am on Saturday until at least midday.
Storm Brian, the second named storm of the season, could also cause flooding. Weatherquest forecaster Adam Dury said: “The weather bomb actually happened on Thursday night but we won’t see the stormy conditions until the early hours of Saturday.
“Inland Suffolk and north Essex could see gusts between 45 and 50mph and on exposed coastlines that could go up to about 60mph.
“The weather bomb was in the Atlantic Ocean and it causes central pressure contained within a low pressure system to dip extremely quickly.
He added: “Ireland is likely to be the worst hit but there are a lot of warnings in force for southern England including Suffolk and parts of Essex.”
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said waves on the coast could also pose a threat to life as Storm Brian moves in tomorrow, and warned against anyone tempted to pose for “storm selfies”.
Alison Baptiste, the Environment Agency (EA)’s flood duty manager, added: “Strong winds are expected across southern England on Friday night and into Saturday.
“Some coastal flooding is possible along the south and south-west coasts of England, especially around high tide, with large waves, spray and some over-topping of coastal defences.
“We urge people to stay safe along the coast and warn against putting yourself in unnecessary danger by taking ‘storm selfies’ or driving through flood water – just 30cm is enough to move your car.
“EA teams are on the ground checking defences and taking precautionary measures such as closing tidal gates.”
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