RESIDENTS of Bridgend County Borough are being urged to take care and plan ahead as the UK awaits the arrival of Storm Goretti.
With both Yellow and Amber weather warnings in place across much of the UK for potential heavy snow, rain and wind today (January 9), people are being advised to look out for issues ranging from possible transport delays, road and bridge closures and flooding to power cuts and damage to buildings and roofs.
Workers from Bridgend County Borough Council will remain on duty throughout the storm. Using equipment such as JCBs, chainsaws and specialist gulley jets, they will work around the clock to help keep roads open and homes, people and property safe by responding to incidents, clearing fallen trees, removing obstructions from drains and more.
If any school closures are necessary, headteachers will update the dedicated school closures page at the council website and will advise parents and carers directly through their usual communication methods, including via text messages, emails and school apps.
Waste and recycling collections may be subject to delays and changes at short notice if weather and road conditions worsen or if streets cannot be accessed safely due to e.g. snow or thick ice.
The opening times of local community recycling centres may also be affected by the storm, so please keep an eye on the council’s Facebook and Twitter pages for up to date announcements and information regarding collection arrangements.
More information on this, including options for subscribing to our regular waste and recycling bulletin, is available by visiting the council’s recycling and waste page.
With 50-60mph wind speeds expected along with gusts in excess of 70mph in exposed places, the coastguard service is also advising people to avoid the shoreline at Porthcawl while the storm is underway, and to resist the urge to take selfies or photographs using the storm as a backdrop.
Councillor Eugene Caparros and Councillor Gary Haines, who share the portfolio for Climate Change and the Environment, are also asking residents not to take unnecessary risks during the storm.
Councillor Caparros said: “While latest forecasts suggest that any potential local snowfall will mainly affect higher ground and valley communities, heavy rainfall and high winds remain in place for the entire county borough.
“Coastal areas are expected to receive the worst of the storm, so please take care if venturing out – avoid unnecessary travel if you can, and plan ahead if you need to make any journeys.”
Councillor Haines said: “No matter how Storm Goretti may affect Bridgend County Borough, our council workers will once again be out during the worst of the weather to help ensure that people are safe, roads remain clear and damage is kept to a minimum.
“You can find out more about how we prepare for the impact of severe weather, including details such as local gritting routes, by visiting the adverse weather page at the council website.”
