The Met Office has now issued a RED weather warning for parts of the county borough on Friday 18th February.
Storm Eunice may cause significant disruption due to extremely strong winds, so the council is urging everyone to take care over the next day or two.
The Met Office currently advises:
- Flying debris resulting in danger to life
- Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
- Uprooted trees are likely
- Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
- Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes, including flooding of some coastal properties
The council is working around the clock to prepare for any impacts arising from the storm.
Cllr Philippa Marsden, Leader of Caerphilly Council said, “It seems the next 24 hours are going to bring a number of challenges and I want to assure the whole community that we are prepared and ready to act. We are taking a ‘safety first’ approach to this emergency and our focus will be on protecting our people and place.
“Staff arrangements and resources are being strengthened to focus upon our emergency response.”
“I would urge everyone to take care, avoid any unnecessary journeys and keep an eye on vulnerable relatives or neighbours who may be affected by the adverse weather conditions.”
Standby arrangements are being strengthened to ensure appropriate levels of staff and resources are on hand to help keep the community safe.
Culverts and gullies are being cleared to provide enough capacity for additional rainfall.
Historic flooding black spots are being targeted and teams will be on hand to help if needed with sandbags and other support.
Teams from Countryside Services will be strengthened to deal with any emergencies caused by falling trees.
Waste collections will be suspended on Friday 18th February, so residents are advised not to put their bins out. Further details will follow about catch-up arrangements.
Free School Meal deliveries will be suspended and any missed deliveries will be completed as soon as possible.
Leisure centres, libraries and other council buildings will be closed to the public.
All schools across the county borough will switch to remote learning arrangements on Friday.
Social care services will continue wherever possible, but there may be disruption due to impacts from the storm.
Residents can report or request a service online by visiting www.caerphilly.gov.uk. Alternatively, they can call 01443 815588 during office hours or 01443 875500 for emergency out of hours issues.