Heading to coast for Storm Eunice pictures 'the most stupid thing you can do' warns expert

Weather-watching Britons have been warned against going to coastal areas to snap pictures of chaos caused by Storm Eunice, as Britain endures what could be the worst storm for 30 years.

Red weather warnings have been issued along the south of the country, with alerts of 100mph gusts and a "significant danger to life".

By 10am, gusts of up to 92mph were recorded at the Needles on the Isle of Wight, the Met Office said.

At Mumbles Head near Swansea, on the South Wales coast, gusts have reached 87mph, while at St Mary’s Airport on the Isles of Scilly they have hit 79mph.

Roy Stokes from the Environment Agency urged weather watchers to resist the temptation to travel to the coast for photographs of Storm Eunice, describing it as “probably the most stupid thing you can do”.

He told BBC Breakfast: “The worst possible thing you could do is go anywhere near these (coastal areas).

Read more: Storm Eunice red weather warning - What is it and which areas are affected?

“I know people like to go and get photos and pictures, it’s quite a dramatic scene but they’re far safer to watch it on the screen.”

The Coastguard echoed concerns, urging everyone to stay at home.

In a Twitter post, it said: “Storm Eunice is forecast to be at its most dangerous this morning, especially in the South West, with a danger to life in some areas.

“Please stay home if you can & avoid exposed coastal areas.

“Follow @metoffice for weather warnings.”

Red weather warnings also state that Brits in wind-affected areas can expect 'flying debris', 'damage to buildings and homes', 'uprooted trees', 'power cuts' and 'beach materials being thrown onto coastal roads'.

Threats include roads, bridges and railway lines being closed with delays and cancellations to public transport, ferry services and flights, and large waves plus “beach material” being thrown on to coastal roads, seafronts and homes, which could result in flooding for some coastal properties.

Eunice has brought much of the nation to a grinding halt, with travel authorities advising against non-essential travel.

Schools around the UK have been closed amid fears for safety, and in Wales every single train has been cancelled as authorities hope to stave off the risk of injury.

Met Office chief forecaster Frank Saunders issued a dire warning to those venturing outside.

He said: "The red warning area indicates a significant danger to life as extremely strong winds provide the potential for damage to structures and flying debris.

"Although the most exposed coastal areas in the south and west could see gusts in excess of 90mph, winds will remain notably strong further inland, with gusts of between 70-80mph for most within the amber warning area.”

Watch: Man braves blustery beach walk during Storm Dudley

People have been told to stay at home where possible.

In London, where a red weather warning was put in place earlier today, city-goers are being urged to avoid any non-essential travel.

A TfL spokeswoman said: “Due to the Met Office’s red warning over Storm Eunice, customers are advised to only travel if essential, and those who need to should check before they travel using our website and the TfL Go app.

“We are doing all we can to ensure we are prepared for any impact with extra staff ready to respond quickly to any incidents, but some services will be affected by the extreme weather.

“We are also urging Londoners to please take care if they travel around the city.”

In North Somerset, councillor Mike Bell, deputy leader of the council, said: “We’re urging people to please stay at home during the worst of the weather.

“Please stay away from coastal paths, piers and promenades, and parks and woodlands.

“Don’t risk your safety or that of the people who would come to your rescue if you got into trouble.

“Our highways team is on standby to help with fallen trees, blocked roads and flooding. We’ll also be closing the floodgates at Weston seafront.”