Storm Otto is expected to cause havoc across the country as 'hurricane-force winds' look set to pick up on Friday.
A severe 12-hour weather warning has been issued for Leeds and other parts of Yorkshire as strong outbreaks of rain and wind are expected to cause disruption to travel on Friday, February 17. A "danger to life" yellow weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for West and North Yorkshire.
The storm, which has been named Otto, is expected to hit the region with hurricane-force winds set to reach speeds upwards of 39 m/s in some places, according to the national weather forecasters DMI.
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Areas affected include Leeds include city centre, Ilkley, and Otley. Gales are predicted to start off in the west and high winds will travel towards the east, reaching up to 75mph. People are being urged to be cautious when outdoors and commuters should plan ahead.
The Met Office said: "A deep area of low pressure is expected to impact much of northern Britain through Friday. Winds will increase from west to east, with gusts of 55-65 mph likely, and locally as high as 70-75 mph for exposed coasts and hills.
"Winds will gradually through Friday afternoon and evening." The Met Office has warned of a 'chance of injuries and danger to life' as well as obstruction to traffic and major delays caused by treacherous weather conditions. Below we have listed everything the Met Office has warned people can expect during the weather warning, scroll down to see.
What to expect:
- There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris
- There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
- There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected. High-sided vehicles may be particularly prone in this set-up.
- There is a small chance that some roads and bridges could close
- There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
Here is a full list of affected areas covered by the yellow weather warning across Yorkshire:
- Wakefield
- Leeds
- Bradford
- Pontefract
- York
- Pocklington
- Helmsley
- Pocklington
- Thirsk
- Harrogate
- Ripon
In Leeds today (Thurs) it will be cloudy and dull Thursday with outbreaks rain, but becoming generally dry by the afternoon. Winds mostly light but becoming windy overnight. Maximum temperature 12 °C.
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