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26
Nov 2021
Last Updated: 26/11/2021
Storm Arwen: Travel warnings and events cancelled in Harrogate district
Follow our live blog for the latest information on Storm Arwen. There have been travel warnings this afternoon and news of events cancelled in the Harrogate district as the region braces itself for strong winds, cold temperatures and possible snow fall.
There are travel warnings and cancelled events as the district braces itself for Storm Arwen.
The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for wind in the North East, where there is danger to life as a result of flying debris expected from 3pm until 2am tomorrow.
Here in the Harrogate district the area is covered by a yellow warning for both wind and snow from 5pm today until tomorrow around 10am.
3.30pm - Brimham Rocks closed tomorrow
The National Trust has announced Brimham Rocks will be closed to visitors tomorrow due to the storm.
2.53pm - Rail passengers encouraged to postpone journeys
LNER has encouraged any customers booked to travel from today, Friday 26 until the end of service on Sunday 28 to defer their travel if possible.
Tickets will be valid on LNER services on the following dates: Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 November including Wednesday 1 December 2021.
Network Rail has imposed emergency speed restrictions as the extreme weather conditions begin to impact the East Coast route.
2.35pm - Only travel if necessary, says county council
North Yorkshire County Council has urged drivers only to travel if necessary as Storm Arwen approaches.
The storm is expected to bring strong winds and the possibility of sleet turning into snow on higher ground.
Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at the county council, said:
“All our NY Highways teams are in place and will be able to respond to any conditions that arise over the weekend. In addition, the 100 farming contractors that support our winter highways operation are primed to help if required, particularly if the strong winds exacerbate any impact of snow through drifting.
“We would ask anyone planning to travel to consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary. If they do need to travel, they should be alert to the conditions, drive accordingly and leave extra time for their journey.
“High winds can affect vehicle handling, so drivers need to adjust their driving by slowing down and being careful when passing high-sided vehicles on exposed roads. They should also give extra space to cyclists and motorcyclists when overtaking. Drivers should make sure their vehicles are prepared for winter.”
1.50pm - Harrogate Christmas rides may not be running
The Christmas attractions in Harrogate may not be running this weekend due to forecasted heavy winds.
Harrogate Borough Council said today that the ferris wheel, carousel and helter-skelter could be put on hold while Storm Arwen moves through the area.
A spokesperson added that the situation will be monitored over the next couple of days.
1.30pm - Emergency services issue safety advice
North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have issued safety advice for residents in light of Storm Arwen.
Both have warned people to be careful if residents are out and about and to secure anything in the garden.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said:
- Don’t lose your trampoline down the street! We often get calls in relation to unsecured trampolines ending up in neighbour’s gardens or on nearby streets so please keep yours fastened down.
- Put garden furniture in storage or ensure it is secured so it doesn’t blow away or get damaged.
- Take care if you’re driving or walking anywhere as high winds could mean falling trees and debris.
- If you’re by the coast don’t be tempted to get close to sea walls and remember if you see someone in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you’re at the coast or the fire service if you’re inland.
North Yorkshire Police added:
- When you’re driving or walking, please be vigilant for falling debris.
- Check before you travel for any road closures or updates.
- If you’re by the coast, don’t be tempted to get close to sea walls.
- If you see someone in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard or the fire service if you are inland.
- If you see a fallen tree or any other debris which is causing a road obstruction, here’s what to do:
• If the obstruction poses an immediate danger on a busy road then call us on 999
• If the obstruction does not pose an immediate danger, call the council and ask for the highways department
• Please don’t put yourself in danger by trying to remove road debris on a busy road
12.45pm - Yellow warning for Harrogate district
A yellow weather warning for wind remains in place for tomorrow across the Harrogate district.
Storm Arwen is also predicted to bring cold temperatures with the possibility of sleet and snow over some lower ground although it is likely to be short-lived.
The Met Office has issued the following advice as to what to expect with a yellow warning:
- Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life
- Probably damage to trees, temporary structures and buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
- Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
- Some roads and bridges likely to close
- There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
12.40pm - Mother Shipton's set to close
Mother Shipton's Cave in Knaresborough has also decided to close due to the forecasted high winds and snow tomorrow.
The attraction Tweeted today to say it is set in ancient woodland so is unable to open under the expected weather conditions.
A spokesperson said:
"We have had to make the difficult decision to close on Saturday 27th November 2021 due to amber weather warnings for wind.
"The attraction is set in ancient woodland and we cannot safely open during these conditions. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused."
12pm - Fountains Abbey closes estate to visitors
The National Trust has announced that the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate will be closed to visitors tomorrow.
It means that the music and lights event planned for between 2pm and 5pm, when the abbey would have been aglow in coloured lights with festive music playing, will not go ahead.
The team at Fountains Abbey has said it hopes to be able to reopen again on Sunday when the storm has passed.
A spokesperson for the National Trust said:
"Storm Arwen is making a gale force visit to Fountains tomorrow and to keep everyone safe the estate will be closed on Saturday.
"This includes Studley deer park as well as the abbey, water garden, visitor centre and car parks.
"We’re so sorry to disappoint anyone who was planning a visit and hope you’ll be able to come again another day.
"Fingers crossed we’ll be open as usual on Sunday but please do check our website and social media channels before you set off for the most up-to-date information."
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