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Homes in 40 UK areas told ‘prepare to turn off gas, water and electricity’ this week | UK | News


People living in 40 UK areas are being urged to prepare to turn off their gas, water and electricity this week as Storm Herminia threatens to cause flooding.

The Met Office has issued a series of yellow weather warnings for wind and rain across large swathes of England and Wales, with more than 40 flood alerts in place. Most of the flood warnings, where flooding is expected, issued by the Environment Agency cover the south west and south coast.

Storm Eowyn already sparked flooding in central and southern England and Wales as 100mph winds battered the UK over the weekend. Now, forecasters have warned more is likely to follow this week as Britain braces for a new storm – Storm Herminia.

A yellow warning for rain covering parts of Wales and the West Midlands is in force today from 12pm to 23.59pm, while a separate alert covers London and South East England, and South West England from 7.58am today until 10am tomorrow.

A yellow warning for wind is also in force from 6am today until 6pm on Tuesday covering parts of East England, London and South East England, South West England and Wales.

Drastic advice has been given by the Met Office and the UK Government on how to prepare for the worst in the event of flooding, with homes told to turn off their gas, water and electricity supplies to protect their property.

You should only switch off these three supplies if it is safe to do so and make sure you don’t touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water.

Your water stop tap will usually be found inside your home where your water supply comes in, or outside close to your property’s boundary under a cover, your gas shut-off valve next to your gas meter, and your mains electricity cut off on your fuse board with a big on and off switch.

The National Grid says: “If flood water is about to enter your property, turn off your electricity supply using the isolator switch or fuse unit. Only attempt this if it’s safe to do so, and never take any unnecessary risks. You can speak to your insurer or a qualified electrician if you need further advice. Your meter could be inside your property or outside in a dedicated meter cabinet.

“Never touch any electrical appliances, cables, or equipment while standing in floodwater. Please don’t touch any appliances, cables, or equipment that has been touched by floodwater, as they may not be safe.”

The 40 UK areas covered by yellow weather warnings for heavy rain this week, with a potential risk of flooding, are:

The Met Office said Monday will bring further showers, turning heavy in the south alongside strong, gale-force winds, with snow on the hills in the north. Gales are expected to ease slowly in the South West overnight but pick up in the far north.

Heavy showers will continue on Tuesday in the south with a risk of thunder, while longer spells of rain are forecast in the North West. The rain and wind is expected to remain in the south on Wednesday, with conditions becoming more settled later this week.

The Met Office said: “It’s never too late to take action and prepare for flooding. Follow these 6 simple steps to protect your home or business.

“Check the flood advice in your area to know when and where flooding will happen. Charge mobile phone devices. Park your car outside the flood zone.

“Prepare a flood kit to help you cope in the event of flooding to your home and business. Store valuables up high, including electrical devices, important documents and furniture. Turn off gas water and electricity supplies.”



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