Delays as Storm Lilian batters the North West
A tree is blocking the M6 motorway, and some trams have been disrupted
Last updated 23rd Aug 2024
There are delays across the region as Storm Lilian batters the North West with high winds and rain.
There've been gusts of up to 80mph in places, causing travel disruption, flooding, power cuts and dangerous conditions near coastal areas.
Trams have been delayed or cancelled in Blackpool and Manchester, whilst on the M6 in Cheshire there was heavy traffic after a tree fell across the road.
The Woodhead Pass had to be closed after a lorry overturned.
The official X account of the Met Office posted at 5am on Friday: "Winds are now strengthening in many areas with the strongest winds occurring during the next few hours across northern England and north Wales
"Damaging gusts are possible in places so ensure you stay #WeatherAware."
In Ribble Valley Electricity North West say they are responding to power cuts, affecting over a thousand homes. The outage has hit areas including Langho and Turton.
The start of the Bolton Food and Drink Festival has also had to be postponed.
Gazebos, tents and other events infrastructure have been severely damaged or significantly displaced overnight and early on Friday morning.
The council says localised gusts in bolton town centre were significantly higher than forecast.
At Cheshire's Creamfields Festival, tents have also taken a beating.
An unsettled weekend ahead
The North and North West would continue to see "a fairly unsettled weekend", with various fronts moving in and bringing more persistent rain, particularly for parts of western Scotland and Northern Ireland, the Met Office has said.
RAC Breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson said the adverse weather and large volume of expected trips represented "a perfect storm" for drivers.
She said: "Anyone driving in areas impacted by Storm Lilian should try to avoid exposed coasts and higher routes where there's a greater chance of fallen branches and trees. It's vital to lower your speeds and leave plenty of extra stopping distance to allow yourself time to react quickly.
"Drivers should keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and take extra care when passing high-sided vehicles which can cause an unnerving buffeting effect when you're suddenly hit by the wind on the other side."