Storm Eunice LIVE: Latest news and information as Derbyshire battered by high winds

Widespread disruption is continuing across parts of Derbyshire today, as the region prepares to be battered by a second storm.
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Storm Dudley wreaked havoc across Derbyshire and other parts of the country through Wednesday and into Thursday morning, bringing strong winds of more than 50mph in places such as Chesterfield.

People are being warned for further disruption on Friday as Storm Eunice rolls in.

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An amber ‘danger to life’ alert has been issued between 5am and 9pm on Friday, February 18, covering Derbyshire as well as much of the country – with a rare red warning in place for parts of Wales.

We’ll be bringing you weather updates from throughout the day, as well as any other news on disruptions.

Follow our live blog for the latest updates below.

Live updates as Storm Eunice sweeps across Derbyshire

Key Events

  • All the latest on school closures across the county
  • Train services between Chesterfield and London suspended until further notice
  • Rail passengers warned ‘do not travel’
  • National Highways issue severe weather alert with warning to high-sided and ‘vulnerable’ vehicles
  • Flood alert sounded along River Wye

Rail passengers travelling between Chesterfield and London advised of train cancellations

East Midlands Railway (EMR) which runs the Intercity service between Sheffield and London, via Chesterfield, says trains will be suspended “for everyone’s safety” until after the winds have eased.

They added: “Do not attempt to travel to/from London St Pancras.

“With winds of up to 120mph it is not safe to travel. There is debris on the lane at multiple locations, we are currently unable to run our trains. You can use your ticket over the weekend or get a refund from the place of purchase.”

Highest ever gusts recorded in England amid Storm Eunice

Fire service urges residents to ‘consider your journey’ as winds pick up

Shocking footage from London where a rare red alert is in place

Part of the roof of the O2 arena has been ripped off by strong winds brought by Storm Eunice, with reports suggesting that water is now leaking inside.

London, as well as others parts of the southeast and southwest, are under a rare red alert issued by the Met Office.

Red warnings are not issued often, with the last one in November 2021 before the arrival of Storm Arwen, which saw very strong winds batter areas on the east coast of Scotland and the northeast coast of England.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen 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.”

Snow to hit parts of Derbyshire

Grinton, North Yorkshire, covered in snow,Grinton, North Yorkshire, covered in snow,
Grinton, North Yorkshire, covered in snow,

Meteorologists are forecasting snow for parts of Derbyshire amid Storm Eunice - but when will it hit?

You can view the full forecast here.

‘Take care and avoid unnecessary travel’ says Derbyshire County Council

The latest on school closes as Bakewell school announcing it will shut doors at midday

Youlgrave, All Saints C of E (VA) Primary School in Bakewell will close at 12 noon and is advising parents and carers to make arrangements to collect their children.

The school said: “We will serve lunch at 11 oclock.There will be no school clubs open.This decision has been made to ensure safety and well being of pupils and staff.”

An amber weather alert has been issued between 5am and 9pm today (Friday, February 18), covering Derbyshire as well as much of the country – with a rare red warning in place for London, and the south-east and east of England.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) has warned passengers in Chesterfield not to travel, instead urging them to complete journeys on either Saturday, February 19; Sunday, February 20; or Monday, February 21.

Schools unaffected so far by Storm Eunice

Derbyshire County Council has so far not reported any school closures this morning as a resultof Storm Eunice.

You can find up-to-date information here

Rare red weather warning issued by Met Office for parts of country

The Met Office has issued a rare red alert for parts of Wales between 7am and 12pm on Friday, February 8, warning of “significant disruption and dangerous conditions due to extremely strong winds”.

On what to expect, the weather agency says: “Flying debris resulting in danger to life.

“Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down. Uprooted trees are likely.

“Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights.

“Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

“Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes, including flooding of some coastal properties.”

Derbyshire will, however, be under an amber weather warning which is valid between 5am and 9pm on Friday.

Although the warning is less severe than red, residents are still urged to remain safe as there is a good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life.

For more information visit the Met Office website.

Rail firm issues ‘do not travel’ message to passengers in Chesterfield ahead of Storm Eunice

East Midlands Railway (EMR) is urging customers in Chesterfield not to travel tomorrow as Storm Eunice sweeps across the country, bringing severe weather and extremely strong winds.

East Midlands Railway services are not running between Northamptonshire and LondonEast Midlands Railway services are not running between Northamptonshire and London
East Midlands Railway services are not running between Northamptonshire and London