Storm Isha expected to bring Damage and Disruption to Northern England

Storm Isha has been named by the Met Office, with strong winds for all from Sunday and heavy rain for some.

Cold Arctic air that has been dominating the UK in recent days is subsiding, replaced by an Atlantic influence which will bring a return to milder conditions, but also bring wet and windy weather across the UK on Sunday.

Amber and yellow severe weather warnings have been issued as Storm Isha approaches the UK on Sunday, in what will be a widely windy day for the UK. Many places are likely to see gusts of 50-60mph, even inland. Near coasts there will be widespread gusts of 60-70mph, possibly reaching 80 mph in a few places.

• A19 Tees and Leven Viaducts
• A66 between the A1(M) at Scotch Corner and the M6 at Penrith
• A1(M) between J49 Dishforth and J63 Chester Le Street
• A171 Moors Road
• High routes in Teesdale, Weardale and North Yorkshire

Disruption to rail services as well as the regions airports is also expected as during strong winds tree branches can fall onto overhead power cables and block railway tracks.

What to expect during an Amber weather warning for wind

• Damage to buildings and homes is possible, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
• Roads, bridges and railway lines may close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
• Power cuts could occur and affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• Flying debris could result in a danger to life
• There is potential for large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

Operators and crews from Northern Powergrid the regions electricity supplier are on standby and ready to respond to power cuts and infrastructure damage.

Storm Isha has the potential to have an impact on the electricity network, so there is a possibility that there could be disruption to power supplies. If needed, Northern Powergrid will continue to keep customers updated via their website, social media channels and via text message.    

Power cut advice and tips include:   

• bookmark Northern Powergrid’s online power cut map and reporting service on your mobile devices – www.northernpowergrid.com/power-cuts  
• have a charged mobile phone with important numbers, including 105 the new, free national power cut phone line, easily accessible. 
• turn off electrical appliances at the socket (this is particularly important for heating or cooking appliances as your power could be restored at any time and potentially cause a safety hazard) 
• keep one light switched on so you know when power is restored 
• keep a battery or wind-up torch handy – they’re much safer than candles 
• check on your elderly or sick neighbours and relatives 
• ensure you have warm clothing and blankets handy and some food and drink in your home that does not require electricity to heat or prepare it 
• only call 999 in the event of an emergency.     

Some helpful links can be found below…

Keep up to date on the storm as it develops: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

Check if any major A Roads or Motorways are blocked: https://www.trafficengland.com/

Find information on power cuts: https://www.northernpowergrid.com/

The TeesPix team will be ready to bring you breaking news of the storm as it batters the North of England over the next few days.