Storm Dave will continue to deepen, Met Office says

Storm Dave will “continue to deepen”, bringing heavy snow and gale-force winds to northern parts of the country amid warnings of power cuts, the Met Office says.

An amber weather warning for wind has been issued for parts of northern England, Scotland and Wales on Saturday evening, the Met Office added as it warned of flying debris possibly leading to “injuries or danger to life”.

The Met Office’s forecast said: “Storm Dave will continue to deepen as it moves north-eastwards. Heavy rain and snow will also bring some disruption.”

Gusts of wind of up to 66mph have been recorded in Capel Curig, north Wales, according to the forecaster.

Meanwhile, the Energy Networks Association (ENA) – which represents electricity network operators – has warned of potential power cuts and issued safety advice following the weather warnings.

It said in a statement on Saturday: “The storm has the potential to affect local power infrastructure, increasing the risk of a power cut and fallen power lines.

“Network operators are increasing staffing for operational teams, and moving spare equipment to where the weather is expected to be most disruptive, so it’s ready to use if needed.”

The ENA shared advice for how to prepare for the severe weather, including to keep a torch ready and to boil water and keep it in a Thermos in case the power goes out.

The statement added: “You can call 105 for free in England, Scotland and Wales to report power cuts and receive updates. Remember, during power cuts, modern internet-powered landlines and mobile masts might not work.

“If you see damaged power lines or lines brought down over the coming days, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it, or dial 999 if there’s an immediate danger to life.

“Make sure your neighbours are okay, especially if they’re elderly or vulnerable.”

Meanwhile, the A66 is currently closed in both directions to all high-sided vehicles due to the strong winds, National Highways said in a statement. It added the road will be closed to all vehicles from 9pm.

“Road users travelling across the Pennines are advised to plan ahead and consider alternate routes such as the A69,” it said.

Parts of Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Northumberland, north Wales and Scotland are covered by the amber warning, which comes into effect at 7pm on Saturday and is due to remain in place until 3am on Sunday.

Up to 30 centimetres of snow could fall, as the Met Office has issued a yellow severe weather warning in Scotland for heavy snow and blizzards causing some travel and power disruption.

Greg Dewhurst, a Met Office meteorologist, said: “There is cold air across Scotland at the moment and, as the rain pushes across this afternoon, it is going to turn to snow.

“We’ll see heavy snow forming across parts of the Highlands as we go through the rest of the afternoon into the evening time and early hours, as much as 20 to 30 centimetres could fall over the higher ground, and five to 10 centimetres over lower ground.”

Those driving in the areas covered by the weather warning have been urged to check their journeys before setting off.

Network Rail Scotland said the worst affected lines would be on the Ayrshire coast, the East Coast Main Line and in the north-east.