Storm Eunice: Updates in Staffordshire and Cheshire
Storm Eunice will bring strong winds and rain from the early hours of this morning
Last updated 18th Feb 2022
People across Staffordshire and Cheshire 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 here 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. Cheshire Fire and Rescue
The fire service are urging people to take extra care if out on the roads today and to be mindful of debris and potential rod closures.
**School closures**
A couple of schools in Staffordshire 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;
- Staffordshire - https://apps2.staffordshire.gov.uk/sln/schoolclosures/
Attractions
The Trentham Estate gardens in Staffordshire have been closed for the day, because of the weather condition.
They're hoping to re-open tomorrow.