‘We’re used to being battered but this is serious’published at 17:42 GMT
17:42 GMT
Jack Gray
Live reporter
Image source, Toots Taxi
Samantha Mallon of the Isles of Scilly says she and her neighbours have prepared as best as they can ahead of the “exceptional wind speeds” forecast for the area later this evening.
Samantha, 53, runs one of two taxis on St Mary’s, the largest island of the archipelago which is at the centre of the Met Office’s red wind warning – with forecasters warning of gusts in excess of 100mph (160km/h).
“We tend not to get nervous,” says Mallon.
“We’re a granite outcrop in the middle of the Atlantic, we get battered all the time… but this is the time where we do need to be heeding these warnings.”
She’s fastened down her garden furniture and has turned the heating on “full blast” in her home to keep some warmth in the event of a power cut, and has also stocked up on candles.
“Most of the pubs are shut, the school’s closed, the co-cop is shut, everyone is being sensible, we just have to hunker down,” she continued.
“If the power does go out, I will drink some gin.”