Teams working to tackle Storm Darragh impact (Latest 12.35pm 8/12)
08 Dec 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Teams have been working round-the-clock in driving winds and rain to deal with the impact caused by Storm Darragh.
Nationally, the Met Office issued a rare red weather warning in Wales for wind on Saturday as Storm Darragh brought gusts of up to 93mph.
The Energy Networks Association said on Saturday evening that 259,000 customers were still without power across England, Scotland and Wales, with work to restore supplies ongoing overnight.
In Northumberland, gusts of 58mph were recorded along the coast with over 48mm of rain being measured at Redesdale Camp during 24hrs on Saturday. While the worst of storm is now passed, very high winds continue, with difficult driving conditions and residents advised not to travel unless necessary.
The Environment Agency issued a number of flood warning and alerts, with the Council’s Highways Teams attending all three flood warning locations to provide sandbags where required. As of 10.45am Sunday, the number flood alerts has reduced and three flood warnings are no longer in force.
The following roads were also closed overnight due to flooding:
The strategic network through Otterburn remained passable (A68 and A696).
CURRENT CLOSURES: (12.20pm 8/12)
Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service Fire Control dealt with a number of calls relating to fallen trees, power cuts and surface water flooding affecting roads. No reports have been received of flooding to homes.
All our Household Waste Recovery Centres (tips) and a number of our country parks closed yesterday for safety reasons, with a number remaining shut today. Once the winds die down our countryside teams will be ensuring there is no danger to the public before country parks are re-opened.
Clean-up activity to remove debris from paths and roads is underway and will ramp up tomorrow morning.