Marine Drive in Southport temporarily closed on Friday as Storm Eunice sweeps in

Marine Drive in Southport will be temporarily closed on Friday (February 18th) as part of Sefton Council’s response to Storm Eunice.

A closure will be in place between the Fairway and Weld Road junctions as a precaution due to high tides and the potential for the road to become temporarily flooded. 

A number of parks across Sefton will also be closed as a precaution in order to keep visitors safe from any falling trees or branches.

Sefton Council will continue to update its communities on any further closures through its normal channels.

The Met Office have announced that incredibly strong winds from Storm Eunice will affect Sefton and its coastline from early Friday morning, with weather worsening as the day progresses.

As a safety precaution, given the road’s exposed proximity to the coastline, Sefton Council has taken the decision to temporarily close Marine Drive in Southport from Fairway to Weld Road between the hours of 10am and 3pm on Friday (18/02/2022).

Sefton Council is recommending that all travel be kept to a minimum and journeys to only be made if they are essential.

A decision has also been made to close Hall Road Car Park in Blundellsands due to adverse weather conditions. This closure will also take place throughout Friday.

Botanic Gardens, Hesketh Park, Moorside Park, Derby Park and Victoria Park will be closed on Friday and a safety assessment will be carried out at each park prior to reopening 

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “The UK is going to be seriously affected by Storm Eunice this weekend and Sefton is no exception.

“These pre-emptive closures are designed to keep our communities safe from any harm this storm may cause and we continue to monitor the situation as it develops.

“This means other roads may need to be closed at short notice. We strongly advise people stay away from coastal areas, especially our beaches and unsheltered areas. 

“Please only travel if absolutely essential. The stormy weather could cause significant issues to road and rail transport and there is a strong possibility that a number of trees may be brought down by high winds. 

“There is also potential for widespread power outages and damage to weakened/loose structures like roof tiles, fences and chimney stacks.”

With the right precautions taken and journeys limited to only essential travel, many residents will be able to safely wait out Storm Eunice, with the worst of the weather passing by Sunday (20/02/2022)

For more information and to find additional support, visit www.sefton.gov.uk/stormyweather

Merseyrail has issued a warning for people looking to travel by rail. 

A Merseyrail spokesperson said: “Strong winds are forecast on Friday 18th February and we expect disruption to our services from midday.

“Passengers are advised not to travel unless necessary and to prepare alternative transport for the afternoon if services can no longer run, as it is unlikely rail replacement buses will be able to operate.”

Northern, which runs services between Southport and Manchester, has warned passengers ‘Do Not Travel’ on Friday. 

The rail operator says ‘significant disruption’ is expected to rail services caused by Storm Eunice.

Storm Eunice will bring extremely strong winds to the North West with heavy snow and blizzards also expected in some parts.

The Amber warning comes into force at 5am on Friday and remains in force until 9pm.

Gusts of up to 90mph are expected to hit some parts of the UK.

The Met Office: What to expect with the Amber Weather Warning on Friday 18th February: 

• There is a good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life
• Damage to buildings and homes is likely, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
• Roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
• There is a good chance that power cuts, possibly prolonged, could occur, perhaps affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• Large waves are likely and beach material is likely to be thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties, and flooding of some coastal properties seems likely.
• It is likely there will be falling branches and some uprooted trees

Red Weather Warnings are rarely issued by the Met Office, with the last one coinciding with Storm Arwen in November 2021, but you’d have to go back to March 2018 for the last red warning for wind before that.

Guelder Rose pub closed until 5pm Friday. 

Manager Clare Rankin said: “We will be Closed until 5pm Friday!

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