Interestingly, this was in tonight's Snowmail:

'Batten down the hatches'
===========================

Weather panic alert!! The worst storm of the winter is predicted to hit the UK. But I've a couple of worries about this. OK - it is a quiet news day at the moment, but does an approaching North Atlantic depression really merit the near-panic in coverage thus far?

Could all this have anything to do with the fact that it's likely to hit southern (media dominated) Britain? And am I alone in sensing a long-running cry-wolf mentality at work from the Met Office outwards?

There's a feeling that all such weather stories tend to be more violent in the predictions than the reality. Not long ago we had a ludicrous national media feeding frenzy for the North Sea surge.

And what happened? A couple of homes slightly damp around great Yarmouth. The Daily Express has led the charge in much of this obsessing about freaky weather which rarely, if ever, arrives.

My own theory is that the powers that be have never recovered from the psychological damage of the Great Storm a generation ago and have hyped up the warnings in a national mood of bottom-covering ever since.

Not saying it won't happen and that British transport will not grind to a halt at the first sign of a wind-affected twig - but impending doom? Believe it when you see it.

Sorry - got a bit carried away there.

There are warnings of gales in Forth Tyne Dogger German Bight Humber Thames Dover Wight Portland Plymouth Biscay Fitzroy Sole Lundy Fastnet Irish Sea Shannon Rockall Malin and Hebrides.

I hope it's windy here. I like it when it's really windy.
Plus, now - with my new roof, I'm impervious!!!

(*touches wood, respectfully advises wind gods that I know I'm not really impervious*)

Looks pretty gnarly to me.

So far I can hear wind and rain outside. The news has the usual pictures of rain-drenched beach fronts.

*wants to make a joke about the Forth Tyne Dogger, but just can't seem to manage it*

So it's around 7 a.m. there now? Stay safe, britbunnies!

My potted figs were already on the ground by the time I awoke this morning - it's like they know the drill!

I got caught out in this when it happened, and had to hold on to a pole to stay on the ground. Pretty scary stuff.

Look after yourselves bunnies!

Well, that was one of the more unpleasent walks to work in a good while. I don't think I can feel my face and am somewhat wet.

Also: umbrella users: WHAT THE HELL DID YOU EXPECT IN HIGH WINDS?!

Luckily working from home today, first day in ages. It's horrible here on the South coast, have taken the laptop up to bed and am huddled under the blankets.
I can take all the thunder and lightening you want to throw, but a bit of wind and I go to pieces. Was up most of the night with my iPod AND a book! What a wimp!
(Love my job at times like this)

Umbrellas are for tourists.

No wind for me.
*sigh*

Stop moaning, seanyboy. The forest is roaring here.