Skip to content

Storm Kathleen: Beachgoers urged to take extra care in high winds

PA Media Waves crash over the sea wall at Porthcawl in WalesPA Media
RNLI is urging those planning to visit the coast to take extra care

People visiting beaches this weekend are being warned to take extra care as wind gusts of up to 70mph (112km/h) are forecast on the Welsh coast.

Storm Kathleen could bring large swells leading to "unpredictable seas and challenging conditions", the RNLI said.

It is urging people to stay "well back" from the water's edge.

A yellow weather warning for wind is in place for all of Wales' coastal areas on Saturday.

The Met Office warning, in place from 08:00 BST to 22:00 on Saturday, said Storm Kathleen would bring "very windy weather" to western areas of the UK.

The forecaster warned that injuries and danger to life could occur from "large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties".

Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said UK western coastal areas could see gusts of between 60 and 70mph.

Storm Kathleen - the 11th named storm in eight months - was named by Met Eireann, the Irish met office, because more significant impacts are likely to be felt in the Republic of Ireland. It is only the second time in a UK storm season that the letter K has been reached in the alphabet.

'Take extra care'

On Friday, Snowdon Mountain Railway, which runs on Yr Wyddfa, or Snowdon, said all its services over the weekend had been cancelled due to Storm Kathleen.

Zip World Tower near Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, also announced it would be closed over the weekend due to poor weather.

The RNLI has urged those planning to visit the coast to "take extra care" and to only go to lifeguarded beaches if they plan to go into the water.

It said that people should not enter the water on a beach that is red-flagged, while beaches with no flags do not have lifeguards.

The weather conditions forecast for the weekend "pose an increased risk to those visiting the coast", said the RNLI's Chris Cousens.

He urged people not to enter the water alone, to let other people know of plans and to "always carry a means for calling for help should you need it".

"If you're walking on the coast be aware of your surroundings and stay well back from the water's edge. The weather conditions increase the likelihood of tidal surges that could sweep you out to sea," he said.