UK households told to stock up on batteries before tonight as power cuts likely

UK households told to stock up on batteries before tonight as power cuts likelyStorm Dave is bringing fierce winds, rain and snow to the UK over the Easter weekend, and the Met Office has now been forced to issue an amber weather warningCommentsNewsEthan Blackshaw Deputy Publishing Lead13:47, 04 Apr 2026Updated 13:49, 04 Apr 2026View ImageBrits have been urged to stock up on batteries (stock)(Image: Getty Images)The Met Office has issued a rarely-seen amber weather warning for Storm Dave, due to come into force within hours.‌The amber wind warning lasts from 7pm until 3am on Sunday and covers North Wales, northern England and parts of southern Scotland. It comes alongside yellow wind warnings and one yellow snow warning, impacting northern Scotland.‌The new amber warning says there is a “good chance of power cuts” in the impacted areas as wind speeds could reach 80mph. There is also a “danger to life” from flying debris and large waves.‌The Met Office has urged people to prepare for power cuts. “Consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items,” it states.Content cannot be displayed without consentREAD MORE: Met Office issues new Storm Dave snow warning for 13 hours as UK faces 12 inchesREAD MORE: Met Office predicts 23C hottest day of year after Storm Dave – warmer than IbizaPeople are told to “stay indoors as much as possible” and secure loose items around their home. The warning says: “In advance of high winds, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.”‌Areas covered by Met Office's amber wind warning:North East EnglandDarlingtonDurhamGatesheadHartlepoolMiddlesbroughNewcastle upon TyneNorth TynesideNorthumberlandRedcar and ClevelandSouth TynesideStockton-on-TeesSunderlandNorth West EnglandBlackburn with DarwenBlackpoolCumbriaLancashireMerseysideSW Scotland, Lothian BordersDumfries and GallowayScottish Borders‌WalesConwyGwy...