Storm Eunice: Red ‘danger to life’ warning issued by Met Office for Cambridgeshire
A second Met Office red ‘danger to life’ warning for wind has been announced that includes Cambridgeshire as one of the worst storms in decades, Storm Eunice, hits on Friday (February 18).
The alert, which was issued at 3.44am and is the highest level, covers London, the South East and parts of the East of England from 10am to 3pm.
It warns of significant disruption and dangerous conditions due to extremely strong gusts of up to 80mph.
Residents are warned to expect:
- flying debris resulting in danger to life
- damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
- roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus and train services and flights,
- and power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
In Lower Cambourne, the cricket nets were swept away by the wind. It took around 15 people to hold it down, dismantle it and move it to a safe location.
Motorists and train passengers are being advised to travel only if it is essential. Train operator Greater Anglia has suspended its whole network due to “multiple incidents of trees on the line/ trees blocking the railway services”.
Greater Anglia customers who have booked tickets for travel on Friday can use them on another day. Customers can choose to rearrange their travel plans free of charge, which can be done where they bought their tickets.
Operator Stagecoach East has temporarily suspended bus and busway services in Cambridge.
A statement from Stagecoach East said: “In light of the current weather situation, a red warning will be in place in Cambridge and Huntingdon between 10am and 3pm today, Friday February 18, meaning we will be temporarily suspending our Cambridge and Busway services.
“Any routes which also travel into the affected regions including the 905, X5, 99 and 904 will also temporarily be out of operation between these times. Services are planned to resume after 3pm.”
Cambridge Market will be closed, but is expected to open as usual on Saturday. All pitch fees have been waived for the day. Cambridge City Council will continue to monitor the situation throughout the day.
If you spot damage to, or debris on, a highway report it to Cambridgeshire County Council.
To report a highways emergency that poses an immediate danger to the public, call either:
- Cambridgeshire Highways on 0345 045 5212 (during office hours - 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays)
- Police on 101
If the highways emergency is on a trunk road, call Highways England on 0300 123 5000 or the police on 101. The trunk roads in Cambridgeshire are the M11, A1, A11, A14, A47 and A428.
When you call, you will need to provide:
- A description of the emergency (size or extent of problem, when it happened and the current situation)
- The location (eg outside house number, road name, town name, or a road number and description)
- Your name and telephone number so we can contact you if we need more information
Power cuts and fallen power lines should be reported to UK Power Networks by calling 105. In an emergency, or if there is a risk to life, call 999. Several power cuts have already been reported across the county.
Driving conditions will be dangerous for vulnerable vehicles such as high-sided HGVs, caravans and motorbikes which could be blown over by exceptional side winds or hit by flying debris.
Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge will be closed today due to the severe weather conditions. If you have booked a ticket, Kettle’s Yard will be in contact with you today.
IWN Duxford will not be open on Friday “as a safety precaution”.
Wandlebury Country Park will be closed today due to the “risk of falling trees, branches and debris”.
As will the National Trust properties Wimpole Estate and Anglesey Abbey. Both hope to open on Saturday following inspections, and visitors are reminded to check their websites before travelling.
