⚠️ Met Office Yellow Warning as Storm Bram set to hit this afternoon

Formby Bubble
Dec 9
2 min read

Formby set for severe winds this afternoon and overnight.

Formby is covered by a yellow weather warning for high winds as Storm Bram moves across the North West. Following this morning’s rainfall, winds are expected to strengthen throughout the afternoon, with gusts reaching up to 70mph, particularly along exposed coastal areas.

This level of wind can put extra pressure on emergency services, so residents are urged to take simple precautions to keep themselves – and the community – safe.

Keeping Formby Safe:

Please secure anything outside your home that could blow away or cause injury, including:

Wheelie bins
Plant pots
Garden furniture
Outdoor Christmas decorations
Trampolines (turn upside down or secure with pegs)
Shed doors (check locks and bolts)

Travel in and around Formby

High winds can make travel hazardous, especially near the coast.

Residents are advised to:

Avoid coastal routes where possible
Take extra care on the Formby Bypass, the coastal road and other exposed areas
Be mindful of spray and large waves along the coastline
Cyclists and motorcyclists should consider delaying journeys or using alternative transport
Pedestrians should stay alert for flying debris

What To Expect:

According to the Met Office, from Tuesday afternoon through to Wednesday morning we may see:

Delays on roads, rail and public transport
Disruption to bus and train services
Issues for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes
Possible short-term power cuts
Large waves affecting coastal paths, sand dunes and seafront areas

The strongest winds will transfer north overnight before easing on Wednesday morning.

How Formby Residents Can Prepare

1. Protect Your Property:

Check for anything outdoors that could become loose or dangerous. Secure or bring inside:

Bins
Gardening items
Decorations
Furniture
Trampolines

2. Before You Travel:

Windy weather can make driving conditions difficult. Be prepared by:

Checking routes before setting off
Listening for local travel updates
Packing essentials: warm clothes, drinks, snacks, torch, phone charger
Taking a fully charged mobile phone

3. Driving in Strong Winds:

If you must drive:

Drive slowly to manage sudden gusts
Give cyclists, motorcyclists, buses and lorries extra room
Be cautious overtaking high-sided vehicles
Keep both hands firmly on the wheel

4. Staying Safe on Formby’s Coastline:

With strong winds and high seas expected, please take extra care:

Avoid standing close to the water’s edge—large waves can sweep you off your feet
Stay away from the edge of dunes and cliffs
Keep dogs on a lead
In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard

5. If You’re Out and About:

High winds increase the risk of falling branches, debris and loose roof tiles.

If you can, stay indoors. If outside: