Winchester News Online
Danger to life warnings in place as Storm Bram arrives
Credit: Elliot Norton
The night of Monday, the 8th and the morning of Tuesday, the 9th of December, saw the arrival of storm Bram, bringing with it strong, violent winds and heavy rain, which has led to widespread disruption.
The storm was officially deemed a major weather event, prompting the Met Office to issue a plethora of amber, yellow and red weather warnings across the UK and Ireland.
The Met Office’s week-ahead forecast outlined the severity of Storm Bram with increasing wind speeds predicted throughout Tuesday. “As Storm Bram Deepens, winds will strengthen through Tuesday. Gusts of 50 to 60mph are expected widely across the western parts of the UK, with 45-50 further East. Exposed Western coasts could see gusts of 70mph, and parts of Northern Ireland may experience stronger winds.”
Further north and Scotland could see wind speeds close to 80mph, with some more exposed areas facing 90mph winds. An amber alert will come into effect at 4 pm Tuesday, and whilst it was initially meant to be listed at midnight, it has since been pushed back to 3 am Wednesday.
The Met Office has also advised those in the affected areas to prepare their homes by checking for loose items outside their homes and making sure they are secured, as the predicted wind speed is set to climb. In addition, the Met Office advised that those in amber areas avoid travelling by road.
There has been widespread disruption across the UK, with the National Grid saying this morning that thousands of homes were without power.
In addition, over 80 flood warnings have been issued across Britain and in Hampshire, services such as buses, trains, ferries and flights were delayed. In Dublin and Belfast, flights were cancelled altogether.
In Winchester, winds are predicted to increase from 12 all the way to 20mph with gusts reaching upwards of 40mph, with the weather looking to calm down again into the night as we get closer to Wednesday.
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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