Councils across the UK have been forced to suspend public services, close schools and provide emergency help for rough sleepers due to Storm Eunice.
The Met Office has issued rare Red Weather Warnings due to expected 'damaging and disruptive' winds that could represent a danger to life.
A number of councils have suspended bin collections today over fears for staff and resident safety, including Bristol City Council, Dorset Council, Newport City Council and Southampton Council.
Cllr Jane Mudd, leader of Newport City Council, said: 'This has been described as an ‘historic event’ and is potentially the most severe storm for 30 years. I urge residents to stay at home when Storm Eunice hits unless it is absolutely essential and please be careful if you do have to go out.
'For this reason, we are suspending some services and closing some of our buildings. This is not a decision that is taken lightly.'
Other measures being taken by councils include closing leisure and tourism facilities, pausing street cleansing, closing recycling centres, and suspending school transport services.
Many councils including Bristol City Council, BCP Council and Somerset Council have also closed schools for the day.
Some have also activated their Severe Weather Emergency Protocol to provide emergency shelter for homeless people.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced last night emergency shelters would be open to provide rough sleepers with a safe place to stay during the storm.
#StormEunice is expected to bring extremely strong winds across London tonight. We’re opening emergency shelters for anyone sleeping rough to have a warm and safe place to stay.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) February 17, 2022
Help connect people sleeping rough with the local services that can support them:
Cllr David Renard, environment spokesperson for the Local Government Association, said: 'Council staff continue to work around-the-clock to ensure the safety of residents, homes and businesses, shore up flood defences, and protect road networks and power supplies as much as possible.
'People living in affected areas should keep an eye on their councils' social media channels and their websites and follow their advice as they provide rolling updates on the situation in local areas, provide safety advice and detail any service disruption.'
