A YELLOW weather warning is in place across the whole of Somerset as hurricane winds are set to hit the county.
Winds of up to 80mph are expected in the region, and the weather warning issued by Met Office is in place from 8am to 11.55pm on Monday (October 16).
The Met Office has warned residents in the South West to expect very strong winds, power cuts and the potential for damage to buildings as Hurricane Ophelia heads towards western parts of the UK.
Hurricane #Ophelia is now at category 2 with peak winds of near 100 mph. Still moving very slowly south-west of the Azores. pic.twitter.com/4gJGdE0nc6
— Met Office Storms (@metofficestorms) October 12, 2017
A spokesman for the Met Office said: "A spell of very windy weather is likely on Monday in association with ex-Ophelia.
"Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are possible.
"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 slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles from roofs.
#Ophelia has become the 10th consecutive Atlantic tropical storm to attain hurricane strength this season. Moving slowly SW of the Azores. pic.twitter.com/QcrDDwP0Uu
— Met Office Storms (@metofficestorms) October 11, 2017
"It is possible that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.
"There is also a small chance that injuries could occur from beach material being thrown onto sea fronts."
A chief forecaster for the Met Office said winds could reach up to 80mph: "Very strong winds are forecast to affect western parts of the UK during Monday.
A yellow warning for wind on Monday has been issued relating to possible impacts from ex-Hurricane Ophelia. https://t.co/Juxo6X6PBs
— Met Office Storms (@metofficestorms) October 12, 2017
"Southerly winds are most likely to gust between 50 and 60 mph across much of the warning area with perhaps gusts of 70 to 80 mph in more exposed parts.
"These strong winds are forecast in association with the northward track of ex-Ophelia across or near to the west of the British Isles.
"Heavy rain is also possible in association with this system with northwestern UK most prone at this stage."
For more information visit http://www..metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings
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