Storm Eunice: Updates in the West Midlands
Storm Eunice will bring strong winds and rain from the early hours of this morning
Last updated 18th Feb 2022
People across the West Midlands are being told to stay at home and only travel if it's essential as Storm Eunice hits the country.
An amber weather warning from The Met Office has been issued for the region from 5am today (18th February) until 9pm tonight, meaning conditions are dangerous and it is highly likely to cause disruption due to strong winds.
Southern areas of England and Wales are expected to be the worst affected with red warnings being issued in those areas. The rare highest alert - meaning a high impact is very likely - was issued just before 4am to run from 10am until 3pm on Friday due to fears of the storm "causing significant disruption and dangerous conditions due to extremely strong winds", the Met Office said.
Travel advice
The Met Office has taken the unusual step of issuing a severe weather alert with National Highways for strong winds covering the whole of the country's strategic road network from 6am to 6pm.
People in the West Midlands are being urged not to travel today unless it is absolutely essential.
1. West Midlands Railway;
Rail operator West Midlands Railway (WMR) is warning passengers not to travel today (Fri 18 Feb). The warning follows delays caused to services across the West Midlands on Wednesday night as Storm Dudley felled trees and blew debris onto tracks. WMR is warning of similar disruption today where we're told blanket speed restrictions will be in place across the network.
Travel bosses say tickets pre-booked for travel will be accepted on Saturday instead.
In a statement, Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said:
“Storm Eunice is expected to be one of the biggest storms in recent years and we expect significant disruption to train services.
“The message to our customers is clear – do not use the train on Friday. Customers with tickets for travel on Friday will be able to travel today and Saturday instead.”
With high winds predicted to continue for several days, passengers planning to travel over the weekend are being reminded to check their journeys before setting out.
2. West Midlands Metro
West Midlands Metro have issued a warning for passengers to be extra careful today. We're told there's a good service across the network.
No issues have been reported at Birmingham Airport or Coventry airport.
3. Chiltern Railway
Chiltern Railway say all services are currently cancelled due to severe weather and obstructions on the railway line. Tickets purchased for today (18th) will be accepted tomorrow Saturday (19th). https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/storm-eunice-travel-advice
4. Buses
Because of fallen trees and debris on the roads in places across the region, people are being urged to check their local bus route before the travel.
National Express West Midlands say; "Due to the adverse weather conditions and warnings in the West Midlands, we would like to advise everyone to take care when travelling with us today."
School and business closures
A number of schools across the West Midlands have announced they will be shut for the day to keep everyone safe. A full list of council-run schools can be found on your local council website. Here's a list of the closures we know so far;
1. Shropshire - https://shropshire.gov.uk/school-closures/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Orlo
2. Herefordshire - https://yourherefordshire.co.uk/all/news/storm-eunice-confirmed-school-closures-in-herefordshire-on-friday-18th-february/
3. Birmingham and The Black Country - https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20011/your_council/1492/weather_disruptions_affecting_schools_and_services
Sandwell Council says it's been notified of one school closure today - Wednesbury Oak Academy in Tipton, where they are closed due to the forecast as they have roofing work going on. All other schools are open, unless parents and carers have been contacted directly to say otherwise.
https://schoolclosures.telford.gov.uk/
4. Worcestershire - https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20062/schools/874/school_closures
Businesses and popular attractions in the region have also announced they'll be closing for the day as a safety concern. These include;
West Midlands safari;
Dudley Zoo;
Wednesfield Market in Wolverhampton.
Black Country Living museum;
Flooding
There are currently more than 100 flood alerts issued across the UK because of Storm Eunice. The Environment Agency has issued 10 severe flood warnings, meaning there is a danger to life.
Local flood warnings in the West Midlands from Gov.uk are as follows;
1. Flood alert for River Arrow and River Alne
River levels are forecast to rise at the Little Alne river gauge as a result of expected rainfall overnight and tomorrow, Friday 18/02/2022 as a result of Storm Eunice. Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is possible early tomorrow morning, Friday 18/02/2022. Flooding is forecast to affect low-lying land and roads adjacent to the River Arrow between Studley and Salford Priors and the River Alne between Bird in Hand and Alcester on the River Alne including farmland and caravan parks. Further rainfall is forecast over the next 48 hours.
2. Flood alert for River Severn in Shropshire
River levels have risen at the Crew Green river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall. Consequently, the risk of flooding remains. We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads adjacent the river from Shrewsbury to Upper Arley. Locations that may be affected are White Abbey, Coalbrookdale, Ironbridge and Bridgnorth. River Severn bank full at White Abbey. Predicted Peaks:- Crew Green 5.85m Thursday afternoon, Montford 5.1m to 5.4m Friday late evening, Welshbridge 2.8m to 3.1m Friday lunchtime, Build was 4m to 4.4m Friday evening, Bridgnorth 3.3 to 3.6m Saturday morning. Further rainfall is forecast over the next 48 hours.
3. Flood alert for River Severn in Worcestershire
River levels are rising due to recent rain. We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads adjacent to the river from Highley to Tewkesbury. Locations that may be affected include Stourport, Holt Fleet, Worcester, Kempsey, Severn Stoke, Upton upon Severn, South Quay, Diglis Parade and Hylton Road towpath. Flooding from drains may also be affecting Worcester racecourse and County cricket ground. Predicted peaks: Bewdley 3.1 to 3.5m Friday, 18/02; Worcester 3.3 to 3.6m overnight Thursday; Diglis 2.8 to 3.2m overnight Thursday; Kempsey Yacht Club 6.0 to 6.4m Sunday,20/02; Saxons Lode 4.3 to 4.7m Sunday, 20/02. More rain is forecast over the next few days that may cause river levels to rise further.
Flood defences have been put up in areas across the West Midlands, most notably areas which have been badly effected in the past and are prone to this sort of weather including Bewdley in Worcestershire, and Frankwell in Shropshire.
Emergency services
Emergency services across the West Midlands are urging people to be careful out and about and to only ring in an emergency.
West Midlands Fire Service say they received around 30 weather-related 999 calls on Wednesday, between 4pm and midnight.
Fire crews responded to seven of these, including:
- 11.08pm – Hillfields, Coventry – firefighters rescued a cyclist from a canal after he’d collided with a fallen tree. Fire crews gave him first aid before the ambulance service took over his care
- 4.07pm – Birmingham International railway station – five cladding panels detached from the building
- 5.13pm – Royal Wolverhampton Primary School – loose scaffolding boards removed/made safe
- 5.38pm – Lower Rushall Street, Walsall – corrugated iron sheeting loose on a factory unit
- 6.51pm – William Street, Birmingham City Centre – unsafe roof riles across three properties
- 9.51pm – Wednesfield Road, Wolverhampton – unsafe advertising board near a road
- 10.13pm – Swinford Road, Oldswinford, Stourbridge – loose roof/eaves capping on a house
Area Commander Alex Shapland, of West Midlands Fire Service, said: “Wednesday’s storm perhaps gave a hint of things to come. Many of our crews worked extremely hard in some very challenging conditions.
“We’re asking everyone to think very carefully about their safety on Friday and especially whether or not they need to leave their homes.
“As ever, our fire control, firefighters and specialist teams will be ready to respond to incidents that pose a risk to life and property. We are expecting lots of calls, so please only call 999 when appropriate.
“Fallen trees, for example, should be reported to councils if they present no imminent danger. You should call your utility company about loss of power.
“Ahead of the storm, please also think about securing items outside the home, such as garden trampolines or bins.”
Extra advice from The Met Office on how to stay safe can be found here.
The storm has also caused road closures in the region including in Small Heath.
There has been disruption in Newcastle-under-Lyme due to a fallen tree.
Emergency services attended Queen Street at around 2pm today (Friday 18 February) after a tree fell on a car at the junction next to Hanover Street.
Two people were treated at the scene with minor injuries.
Police also attended Manor Road in Newcastle to reports of a tree blocking the road there.
Power Cuts
Thousands of properties across the West Midlands have reported power outages.
Western Power Distribution say they're continuing to work on issues across the country. You can get the latest updates here.