LONDON -- Britons have been warned against trying to take "storm selfies" as Barney -- the second storm this year strong enough to get a name -- sweeps across southern England and Wales on Tuesday afternoon.
The Environment Agency and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) warned people to not put themselves at risk in order to capture dramatic moments. The Met Office expects gusts of 60 mph to 70 mph across southern Britain, and winds could reach 80 mph at exposed coasts of Wales and the Bristol Channel.
Potential for wind gusts of 60-70mph across southern Britain tomorrow evening as #StormBarney is officially named pic.twitter.com/Jgd1UeYFI2— Met Office (@metoffice) November 16, 2015
“The power of Mother Nature is a fascination to us all – and taking storm selfies may seem exhilarating – but over the last few years we’ve had an increasing number of people putting themselves and family members at severe risk along coastal paths and promenades," said Neil Davies, duty flood risk manager at the Environment Agency.
Good Morning, heavy rain today with gales developing this afternoon. Cool across the north and mild in south ^Misha pic.twitter.com/ufFKQUKrH6— Met Office (@metoffice) November 17, 2015
David Walker, leisure safety manager at RoSPA, said: "We understand the temptation to view powerful tides and weather conditions, however, if you get caught up or swept out to sea in these events your life will be at risk very quickly and our rescue services will also be at great risk."
The Met Office said Storm Barney would move through southern parts of Britain quickly on Tuesday afternoon and night, and had the potential to bring down trees and disrupt travel.
The weather will stay unsettled for the rest of the week and colder air will move in from the north, making the temperature feel cooler over the weekend.