November 26, 2021 - 1070 views
With Storm Arwen set to batter the North Wales coast with rain, high winds, sleet and possibly snow on Friday and Saturday, emergency services having been providing advice to local residents.
Following on from the Met Office weather warning which principally focuses on a yellow 'be aware' warning for high winds up to midnight on Friday and a more serious Amber warning from midnight to to 9.00am on Friday, residents particularly close to the sea are being told to stay safe.
If it is safe to do so, any outdoor furniture or garden items should be stowed away or secured to prevent them becoming dangerous and there is the possibility of damage to roof tiles and structures particularly on high ground.
Injuries and danger to life increases significantly during storms with large waves and beach debris including rock and stones thrown onto parked cars and pedestrians.
Emergency services have strongly recommended that residents avoid North Wales promenades and not to be tempted to take photos or videos as the risk of being hit by debris or swept out to sea is a very real possibility.
A spokesperson for Rhyl Lifeboat stressed the importance of avoiding areas close to the sea.
"With Storm Arwen named as our first winter storm, we can expect some strong winds and rough weather overnight and into the weekend. We urge people to stay safe near the coast as the severe weather could make our seas and coastlines particularly dangerous.
"Sadly, around 150 people accidentally lose their lives around UK and Irish waters each year, and over half of these people didn’t plan on ever entering the water. If you see someone in danger in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
The weather forecast for the Bay of Colwyn and Conwy county includes heavy rain, wind and sleet up all of Friday evening. Saturday will be sunny will cold temperatures around 6 degrees celcius and very strong winds.
As a result of the poor weather, Events Conwy have cancelled the street event Winter Lights which was due to be held in Conwy. A decision will be made later whether to proceed with the event in Llandudno on Saturday evening.
