Storm Eunice arrived in Cambridgeshire with major delays and disruption expected as a result of “damaging gusts” of wind this afternoon.
Damage to buildings, homes, roads and bridges, with railway lines closed, and “flying debris resulting in danger to life” is to be expected today (February 18).
A new red weather warning from the Met Office in parts of the region has triggered many cancellations and delays from this afternoon.
What is cancelled or closed in Cambridgeshire?
Nearly 2,000 homes in Fenland are reportedly affected by a power cut which could last until midnight as a result of Storm Eunice.
The outage was reported to UK Power Networks at around 4.20pm this afternoon (February 18) from an address near Broadend Road in Wisbech.
Train services across the whole Greater Anglia network are suspended until further notice.
A spokesperson said: "As soon as we can re-introduce services we will do so, but it is possible that some or even all services may remain suspended for the rest of today potentially into tomorrow (Sat Feb 19)."
Stagecoach just released the following update:
A spokesperson said: "Due to adverse weather, there will be a reduced service from Cambridge to Ely and Haverhill this evening."
On the railway, services into and out of most major London stations are now - or in the process of being - suspended.
"Travelling conditions are extremely dangerous, caused by fallen trees and debris blocking tracks or debris entangled in overhead power equipment," say Network Rail.
A spokesperson for Greater Anglia said: "Customers who have booked tickets for today can use tickets on another day.
"Customers can choose to rearrange their travel plans free of charge, which can be done where they bought their tickets."
List of businesses shut today:
EAST CAMBS
- Cotton Traders, Ely
- M&Co, Ely
- Jak Hibs, Soham
FENLAND
- The Old Bakery, Chatteris
- Delfland Nurseries shop, Doddington
- FACT transport services suspended (March and rest of Fenland)
Stagecoach has announced the cancellation of the following services due to “safety”:
10:20 Pet'borough -Huntingdon 11:31 Huntingdon -St. Ives 12:30 St. Ives-Huntingdon 13:00 Hunt-Pet'borough 14:04 Pet'borough - Huntingdon 14:20 Pet- Hunt.
Paul Gundersen, Met Office chief meteorologist, said: “After the impacts from Storm Dudley for many on Wednesday, Storm Eunice will bring damaging gusts in what could be one of the most impactful storms to affect southern and central parts of the UK for a few years.”
“The red warning areas indicate a significant danger to life as extremely strong winds provide the potential for damage to structures and flying debris.
“Although the most exposed coastal areas could see gusts in excess of 90mph, winds will remain notably strong further inland, with gusts of between 60-70mph for most within the amber warning area, and up to 80mph in a few places.”
Katharine Smith, Environment Agency flood duty manager, said: “Strong winds could bring coastal flooding to parts of the west, southwest and south coast of England, as well as the tidal River Severn, in the early hours of Friday morning.
“This is due to Storm Eunice resulting in high waves and potential storm surge coinciding with the start of a period of spring tides.”
Jeremy Phillips, National Highways head of road safety, said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve.
“If you do intend to travel, then plan your trip and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.
“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.
“Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space.
“In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes.”
For the most up-to-date information about the county's roads, visit our LIVE Cambridgeshire traffic map.
Do you have a live or breaking news story from across Cambridgeshire? Email: cambslivenews@archant.co.uk
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