Storm Eunice Birmingham: severe weather warning as West Midlands railway advises people not to travel

The Met Office has issued a “stay indoors” warning ahead of the arrival of Storm Eunice on Friday, which is forecast to move in with winds reaching 100mph.

A “danger to life” amber weather alert is also in place in Birmingham as well as the rest of the UK.

According to the Met Office, rain and wind gusts of up to 58 mph are expected to hit Birmingham at around midday tomorrow (18 February).

People urged to avoid travel

West Midlands Railway is advising people to avoid travel tomorrow.

A statement read: “We strongly recommend customers do not travel on Friday 18th February due to extreme weather anticipated across the UK rail network.

“Existing tickets will be valid for travel on Thursday (day before) or Saturday (day after). Furthermore, all tickets will be valid on any West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway service for the route specified on your ticket.”

When is the amber weather warning in place?

Storm Eunice is set to arrive after heavy rain and winds battered parts of the UK as Storm Dudley struck on Wednesday (16 February).

National Highways, with the Met Office, have issued a severe weather alert for strong winds covering the East of England, East Midlands, West Midlands, South East and South West, between the hours of 6am and 6pm on Friday.

The agency added “there is a particularly high risk that high-sided vehicles and other ‘vulnerable’ vehicles such as caravans and motorbikes could be blown over” in areas including the East of England, Midlands, South East and South West.

The Environment Agency had two flood warnings in place as of Thursday morning in northern areas of England.

Flood duty manager Katharine Smith said: “Strong winds could bring coastal flooding to parts of the west, south-west and south coast of England, as well as the tidal River Severn, through the early hours of Friday morning and into the early afternoon.

“This is due to Storm Eunice resulting in high waves and potential storm surge coinciding with the start of a period of spring tides.”

She said agency teams were making preparations, erecting barriers and clearing screens where flood debris can build up.

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