Amber warning for Cheshire East and the region

An amber warning has been issued by the Met Office for Cheshire East and the wider region today (Friday 18th February).

This means that there is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property.

The council is preparing for widespread disruption due to Storm Eunice, with high winds with gusts of at least 50-60mph expected and the potential for speeds up to 70mph from 1pm until around 5pm, at which point it is anticipated that the weather will begin to improve slightly.

People should consider changing their plans, planning ahead for any essential journeys and taking action to protect themselves and their properties. This includes making sure that wheelie bins are stored away securely, and that any outdoor furniture and trampolines are fastened or stored safely.

You can keep up-to-date with weather warnings by visiting:

the Met Office website.

What to expect

Residents are advised to prepare for disruption and damage caused by Storm Eunice. This could include:

• High chances of fallen branches on highways and some uprooted trees blocking roads
• Some roads, bridges and railway lines may close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
• There is a chance that flying debris could cause serious injury
• Damage to some buildings and homes is likely
• There is a good chance that power cuts could occur
• Large waves could occur in coastal/ tidal areas

Preparations

The council has set up an adverse weather desk to help coordinate the response to the storm and emergency teams have been set up.

The following parks are temporarily closed to the public and will reopen when the weather conditions ease:

• Tatton Park, Knutsford
• Queens Park, Crewe
• Westminster Street, Crewe
• Fountain Fields, Middlewich
• Lacey Green, Wilmslow
• The Moor, Knutsford

There is currently one school closure in Cheshire East at Wilmslow High School.

Parents collecting children from schools, nurseries and childcare settings are advised to remain cautious of the weather conditions and to take extra care, planning their route to and from school.

The council’s housing teams are offering shelter for any rough sleepers during the storm and are on standby to set up emergency accommodation where needed.

Report any issues

If you see a fallen tree, faulty streetlight or blocked gully within the borough, you can help us by reporting it online if it is not urgent. If it presents an immediate danger, please call 0300 123 5020 during working hours or 0300 123 5025 outside of working hours (after 5pm and over the weekend).

Fallen trees will be prioritised for clearance based on where they are, and the council will, at all times, consider the safety of their staff. During the peak of the storm, the focus will be on maintaining the primary route network, such as roads to hospitals and trees that lead to isolated communities.

With the storm happening ahead of the weekend, and a further yellow weather warning for wind on Sunday, some roads may be blocked for a few days before the council is able to organise a tree’s removal. Customers are being thanked for their patience in advance once the storm clearance task gets underway.

Any residents that experience a power cut, are advised to contact their electricity provider by calling 105.

Residents who receive social care across the borough are to be reassured that the council has robust practices in place to ensure that those who are most vulnerable receive the help they need. Those who receive care through a private arrangement are advised to contact their care provider if they have any concerns.

Further advice on how to prepare and stay safe in a storm can be found on the Met Office website.

The latest information on local flood warnings in force across Cheshire can be found on the Government’s flooding web pages.

For the latest updates on the storm locally, including road closures, please follow:

@CECHighways

@CheshireEast