Amber storm warning for North Northamptonshire

17 February 2022

Everyone in the North Northamptonshire area is urged to be prepared for very strong winds and rain as Storm Eunice arrives in the area later tonight, Thursday 17 February. 

A Met Office Amber Warning is in place for our area tomorrow (Friday), with the potential for strong gusts to cause travel disruption and damage to buildings.

Travel is only advised if necessary.  If travelling is necessary, the advice is to take extra care driving, be cautious when passing high-sided vehicles on open roads and be aware of possible debris on the roads.

Residents are advised to make sure they secure or store away loose items in gardens (such as furniture, toys, trampolines etc) to stop them from getting blown away or damaged.

People are also encouraged to check on elderly and vulnerable relatives and neighbours during the severe weather.

In anticipation of the severe weather, a decision has been taken to close the following country parks on Friday: Barnwell, Brixworth, East Carlton, Fermyn Woods, Irchester and Sywell.

Additionally, due to the high winds, residents are also asked to only visit their household waste recycling centres if necessary to do so and to also be aware that sites may need to close at short notice for health and safety reasons.

The Chester House Estate is also closed to the public on Friday.

What can I do before the storm arrives?

• place cars in garages or where they will be protected from flying debris, such as tiles or branches
• secure items outside your home that could be blown away, such as patio furniture, bins and so on
• remove items from around your home that may be blown into windows/patio doors
• keep pets indoors
• shelter outdoor pets, or bring under cover in a protected location
• check that nearby trees and/or tall structures are undamaged and in good repair and are not in danger of being blown over and damaging your home or placing people in danger

Advice during a storm

• keep an eye on the warnings and listen in to the local media for any further warnings or emergency information
• do not go outside unless it is safe or it is absolutely essential that you do so
• if you must go outside watch out for flying debris and wear eye and head protection if possible
• do not attempt to make any repairs until the storm is over
• do not drive unless you have to. If you have to drive, drive slowly and with great care, use your lights to make you more visible
• do not drive high sided vehicles and keep your distance from other vehicles
• if power cables are brought down by high winds stay away from them, do not touch any item that may be touching power lines
• report downed or damaged power lines to your electricity provider
• do not attempt to remove any downed trees

Reporting problems

• Any damage to council houses in the Corby and Kettering areas can be reported online
• Any problems on the highway, including fallen trees, can be reported via the Streetdoctor service