NEWS | Herefordshire’s multi-agency incident response group met this afternoon to prepare for Storm Eunice

Herefordshire’s tactical co-ordination group (TCG), the multi-agency group that responds to local incidents, met today to plan for the arrival of Storm Eunice.

Herefordshire is currently under an Amber warning issued by the MET Office. Emergency services and local response teams are preparing for the significant impact of the storm. There is also preparation underway to support surrounding counties that are within the Red warning area and for the expected impact of rainfall in Wales that travels through our rivers.  

Chair of TCG, Superintendent Edd Williams said:

“Local agencies met today to anticipate the disruption that may be caused by Storm Eunice in Herefordshire. There are response plans in place and we are working closely together with partners to ensure we are adequately prepared. 

“We expect a period of strong winds between 8am and 3pm on Friday 18 February. The strength of the winds will likely be around 50-60mph but may reach 70-80mph across Herefordshire.

“Winds of this speed could bring down a lot of trees and may cause damage to homes and infrastructure and cause transport issues. We ask all residents to consider if their journey is necessary on Friday.

“We also ask people to drive with extra care, particularly on the A49 between Hereford and Leominster, which may experience wind gusts.

“Highways teams will be working hard to clear road closures and fallen trees. To report a fallen tree, call our highways team 01432 261800. We ask local residents for patience as we expect to respond to a high number of incidents due to the weather. 

“We are also mindful of the impact of the weather across Wales. Once the wind has died down tomorrow, the rainfall over the weekend may bring flooding to our roads and rivers. Please drive with care and do not drive through flood water.”

Strong winds may bring down power lines, which can affect power supplies to households and businesses. If you need to contact the Western Power team, call 105.

Individual schools may choose to close due to the adverse conditions and the latest closures can be found on the council’s webpage: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/schoolclosures.

More information and advice can be found here: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/storm.