'Risk to life' as storms Dudley and Eunice threaten 90mph winds in Wales

160221 STORM DUDLEY PA
An amber warning for strong winds is in force for the whole of Wales from 03:00 until 21:00 on Friday (February 18). Credit: PA/Met Office

Storm Dudley has brought winds of 68mph to parts of Wales as the country braces itself for back-to-back named storms.

The worst of Dudley should be over by Wednesday evening, but yellow weather warnings for strong winds across much of mid and north Wales will remain in place until 06:00 on Thursday (February 17).

Waiting in the wings is Storm Eunice, and as ITV Cymru Wales weather presenter Ruth Dodsworth says: "She's going to be a true force of nature."

Storm Eunice, set to land on Friday (February 18), could be even more damaging and the Met Office has issued an amber warning for strong winds across the whole of Wales from 03:00 until 21:00 on Friday night.

Disruption has already been felt in Wales, with the M48 Severn Crossing closed both ways due to strong winds.

The A477 Cleddau Bridge in Pembrokeshire is also closed to high sided vehicles due to strong winds between Pembroke Dock and Neyland.

In the north, there is a 30mph speed limit in place on the Britannia Bridge.

Natural Resources Wales have also updated their flood alerts.

Current flood alerts in place in Wales Credit: Natural Resources Wales

As well as river flooding inland, the agency has also warned of significant flooding in coastal areas. 

'We are looking at a particularly stormy period right now'

Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said: "We are looking at a particularly stormy period right now, with two named storms coming through one after the other.

"This sort of weather set-up is typical for the UK in the winter, with low pressure coming in from the west, driven by the jet stream."

She said the forecast after Storm Eunice continued to look unsettled with the potential for more wet and windy conditions over the weekend and the start of next week.

The Energy Networks Association has offered safety advice ahead of the storms.

Spokesman Ross Easton said: "It's really important to stay safe when bad weather hits. If you come across fallen power lines or damage to the electricity network, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it. If there is an immediate risk to life or someone is in danger, dial 999."