NON-essential Gwynedd Council services will be closed tomorrow (Friday, February 18) due to the severe weather warning regarding Storm Eunice.

The council is also warning residents and businesses to prepare and take all possible precautions against the effects of Storm Eunice and to keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours and relatives.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for the county between 5am and 9pm tomorrow due to strong winds; there is a red alert in place in other parts of Wales with the possibility that it may become red in Gwynedd.

The following services will be closed tomorrow:

• Schools - All Gwynedd schools will be closed to staff and pupils due to significant transport difficulties that may arise. Distance learning arrangements will be put in place wherever possible.

• Libraries

• Recycling centres

• Byw’n Iach leisure centres

• Country Parks

• Marinas and harbours

• Siop Gwynedd (the Council's one-stop-shop receptions in Pwllheli, Caernarfon and Dolgellau)

Other services may be affected and have to close during the day tomorrow.

The council will publish regular updates on its website and social media accounts.

Essential services will continue, with special measures to protect service users and staff.

For example, care homes and hostels will be open as usual.

Every effort will be made to collect waste and recycling.

Residents whose waste is normally collected on a Friday are advised to put their bins out in a safe and sheltered place.

Bus passengers are advised that all services may be subject to some disruption, diversion and possible cancellation at short notice due to the adverse weather.

The combination of high winds and tides means that there is a strong possibility of coastal flooding as well as the risk of falling trees and damage to buildings.

Gwynedd Council is working with its national and regional partners to prepare for the storm that has the potential to be the largest the area has experienced in recent years.

The council encouraged residents to look at the weather forecasts from a reliable source before venturing out and to keep an eye on social media for updates, such as:

• Gwynedd Council - Twitter and Facebook

• Natural Resources Wales (NRW) - Twitter and Facebook

• North Wales Police - Twitter and Facebook

• Traffic Wales - Twitter

Information on how to prepare for an emergency and useful contacts during severe weather can be found on the council's website at: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Emergencies/Emergencies.aspx.