New - See our live, as it happens report on the storm. Trees down, Power cuts reported.
It's not really going to be possible to tell for sure exactly how strong the winds will actually be on the morning of Monday 28th, or how much rain is likely to fall, until much nearer the time, but it is predicted that 1 - 3 inches of rain will fall on already saturated ground, and strong winds with gusts of 60 - 80 mph, or more in exposed areas, will hit the South of England, South Wales and East Anglia. Possibly Lincolnshire too.
If the storm looks to be milder than predicted it is unlikely that anyone will hear about it until the storm arrives, because no forecaster want to make the mistake Michael Fish did the evening before the Great Storm. Michael assured viewers there would be no Hurricane, and then the whole country woke up to find hundreds of trees fallen, damage to buildings and severe travel disruptions.
The storm could be weaker than predicted and pass over us without major consequence, but we have to take this seriously because there is a strong possibility that this storm could cause a lot of damage, it could even turn out to be more severe than predicted.
So what should we do?
Prepare! If the storm turns out to be destructive you will be in a far better position if you have prepared.
General
Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged and keep it on your person. Advise friends and relatives to do the same. Ensure any older or more vulnerable relatives or friends have your number and the number of other people who can help them programmed into their phone and make sure they know how to use it.
Do not call the the emergency services unless it is a real emergency. If the storm turns out to be destructive the emergency services will be pushed to the limit helping those in need. However, if you are in fear of your life or need medical treatment urgently, call 999.
Do not panic buy! Really, don't! But ensure you have enough food and drink in the house to last you and your family 24 hours.
Keep a close eye on the forecast and weather warnings as the storm comes closer. We advise that if you are a Facebook user you click the 'Like' button on our Facebook page. All of our updates on the storm will then appear in your Facebook news feed. Advise friends and relatives to do the same.
Flooding
If you live in an area that is prone to flooding you should prepare to take measures to stop water from entering your property. If this is not possible you should be ready to take valuable belongings to higher location like up stairs or on top of less valuable belongings.
If an older or more vulnerable relative or friend lives in an area prone to flooding you should help them to protect their belongings and if needed, have plans in place to get them away from any flooding before it happens.
If possible move your car away from an area that is prone to flooding before the storm arrives.
Sign up to receive free flood warnings from the Environment Agency website.
Wind
Go into the garden and bring any loose objects such as light garden furniture, smaller flower pots, children's toys or anything that you think strong winds could move, into the house. Consider taking down or securing trampolines. Secure the tops of wheelie bins and lay the them of their side up against a wall or fence. If you have space in a garden shed, put them in there. Flying objects are the biggest danger in extreme winds.
Stay indoors if possible. The safest place for you and your family in inside your house. Restrict travel plans to essential travel only. Strong winds and rain make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
Put your car in a garage. If you have a garage, use it. Don't leave your car exposed to possible flying objects if you have an alternative.
Bring garden pets indoors.
In the age of social networking it may be tempting to go outside and take photos and videos of the weather. We advise against this if the winds become strong. Settle for taking pictures out of the windows of your house.
Seafronts, quaysides and jetties should be avoided due to the risk of overtopping by waves.
Help elderly and more vulnerable relatives to prepare for the wind and tell them to stay indoors until the storm is over. Make sure they have food and drink that can be consumed even in the case of a power cut, and ensure they are able to get access to any medication they may need.
Final note
Don't panic, the above advice is precautionary only. Keep a close eye on the forecast and weather warnings as the storm comes closer. We advise that if you are a Facebook user you click the 'Like' button on our Facebook page. All of our updates on the storm will then appear in your Facebook news feed. Advise friends and relatives to do the same.