PEOPLE across Somerset are being advised to batten down the hatches with strong gales set to cause disruption later this week,

Storm Eunice is predicted to the the county and a large area of the country at around 12 noon on Friday (February 18).

The Met Office is forecast high winds into around 3.30am the following day (Saturday, February 19).

The is the potential for "significant disruption", according to the Met Office.

Potential problems could include:

  • a small chance that flying debris will result in a danger to life, with fallen trees, damage to buildings and homes, roofs blown off and power lines brought down;
  • a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties;
  • where damaging winds occur, there is a chance that long interruptions to power supplies and other services may occur;
  • there is a small chance that roads, bridges and railway lines could close, with long delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights.