Bridgend County Borough Council is warning residents to expect disruption as a result of Storm Eunice on Friday 18 February.
With a red weather warning now in place from the Met Office, headteachers have agreed to close all local schools as a precautionary measure, and to teach pupils via online learning instead.
Residents and visitors are being strongly advised to stay away from the coastline, especially in Porthcawl.
Starting at around 3am on Friday morning, Storm Eunice will bring heavy overnight rain and strengthening winds to the county borough which will develop into severe gales. It is expected to last all day until approximately 9pm on Friday night.
Recycling and waste collections will go ahead as normal, but the situation will be kept under constant review and residents are being advised to keep an eye on the council’s social media channels for further updates.
Householders are also advised to make sure they place their glass containers out so that crews can pack the emptied recycling sacks inside to avoid them being affected by the high winds.
Council Leader Huw David said: “The Met Office has warned that coastal areas could see high winds of around 90mph, and that further inland there could be damage to buildings and homes, uprooted trees, power cuts, flooding, disruption to travel, public transport cancellations and more.
“Natural Resources Wales has also warned that the high winds could cause debris-related injuries, while large waves commonly seen during a high tide ‘storm surge’ may result in rocks and other materials being thrown ashore.
“Anyone who can do so should avoid visiting the coastline during the storm, but if you have to be there, please take extra care and make sure you keep a safe distance away from the sea.
“I also want to appeal to people who may be considering trying to take a photograph during the extreme weather conditions, and would ask them to think twice – all indications are that this is going to be a particularly bad storm, and it really isn’t worth risking an injury or worse, especially not when the RNLI provide a live camera feed from the Western Breakwater which can be viewed remotely.”
Councillor Stuart Baldwin, Cabinet Member for Communities, added: “Our highway workers are checking gulleys, culverts and drains to make sure they are clear before the storm arrives, and have prepared more than 3,500 sandbags which can be distributed to householders in the event of flooding.
“Using equipment ranging from JCBs and chainsaws to specialist gulley jets, workers will be on duty throughout the storm to help keep roads open and homes, people and property safe.
“The council will do all it can to keep things running smoothly, but I urge residents to plan ahead now, and to keep an eye on the news and social media for regular updates while the storm is underway.”
More information on Storm Eunice is available from the Met Office website, while you can find advice on preparing for and dealing with flooding and register for free flood alert warnings at the Natural Resources Wales website.
Up to date advice on public transport is available at the Travel Line Cymru website. Vaccinations and tests for Covid-19 will continue as normal, but will also be reviewed throughout the day – look out for further updates.
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