Press release

Storm Eunice - Stay away from the coast

HM Coastguard is issuing a plea for people to stay away from the coast as Storm Eunice hits the UK.

• From: Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• Published: 18 February 2022

This news article was withdrawn on 30 July 2024

This article has been withdrawn as it is over 2 years old. It remains available as a public record of events and was accurate at the time of publishing.

There have been multiple reports of people at the waterline taking pictures of the waves, and even of families standing by the surf line with their children. The Met Office has issued a red ‘danger to life’ weather warning and winds of 122mph have been recorded.

HM Coastguard Tactical Commander Ben Hambling said: “The reports we are receiving are absolutely terrifying. In these conditions all it takes is one wave.

“A dramatic photograph or selfie is not worth risking your life for and those who are going to the coast to take pictures are also putting our teams at risk.

“We are urging people in the strongest possible terms to stay away from the coast.”  

If you do get into trouble or believe anybody to be in difficulty at the coast or at sea, please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Published 18 February 2022