Meteorologists in the United Kingdom have issued a rare “danger-to-life” alert as Storm Eunice is forecast to batter parts of the country Friday, potentially creating a “sting jet” that could bring havoc to streets.
Meteorologists have also raised the possibility of a sting jet, the weather phenomenon which made the 1987 Great Storm so destructive and deadly. Eighteen people were killed in that storm and 15 million trees were blown down in winds that topped 100 mph.
A sting jet is a very narrow and concentrated blast of powerful, upper-level winds that can form inside powerful weather systems. It descends to the the Earth’s surface and can last a few hours, potentially causing damage to life and property, according to CNN meteorologist Derek Van Dam.
“The ‘sting’ refers to the cloud formation it creates, which resembles a scorpion’s stinger,” he said.
On Thursday, the UK’s weather service, the Met Office, issued the rare red alert — the highest weather warning category in the UK — warning that Eunice is forecast to bring “significant and damaging” gusts of up to 90 mph and threaten life.
It could also bring high waves and coastal flooding in the west, southwest and south coast of England, the Met Office said.
The warnings come as thousands of people went without power in the UK’s north after Storm Dudley brought down trees and cut households from the grid Wednesday.
The Met Office is urging people to only travel if necessary and warned drivers that road closures could be in place on Friday. People across the UK should also secure outdoor furniture and bins and should avoid parking near trees, it said.
Hannah Cloke, a professor of hydrology at the University of Reading, warned people not to take the red alert lightly.
“Red means you need to act now because there is an imminent danger to life,” she said in a statement.
“Winds of 70 mph will uproot trees, which can block roads and crush cars or buildings. They can pick up roof tiles and hurl them around. If you’re hit by one of those you will be seriously hurt or killed. Wind that strong will sweep people and vehicles off streets, and topple electricity lines.”
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