Pictures: Storm Arwen causes damage across Southport with trees and buildings damaged

Storm Arwen has wrought damage across Southport, with buildings damaged, toppled trees blocking roads, events cancelled – and more wind on the way. 

The Met Office has issued a Yellow Weather Warning For Wind in the Southport area today, with a Yellow Weather Warning For Snow across inland areas of England. 

NHS health chiefs are asking people to keep an eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours to ensure they stay safe. 

Today’s Southport Parkrun has been cancelled after a number of trees were blown over in Hesketh Park. 

A lamp post has fallen on Tarleton Bypass, near Banks roundabout. Photo by Tom Hamer

Last night, Tarleton Bypass was shut after the wind blew down a lamp post across the Southport-bound carriageway near the Banks roundabout. 

The Formby Bypass was also shut in both directions last night after a tree was brought down in Ince Blundell. 

If you know of any more incidents, please either message me or post into our Stand Up For Southport Facebook group. 

Tulketh Street in Southport closed off as firefighters attend due to wind damage. Photo by Georgina Vernon

Yesterday afternoon, Tulketh Street in Southport town centre was closed as firefighters attended to wind blowing off part of the roof of one of the stores. 

Strong winds also ripped off rooves of garages behind Sandown Court on Albert Road. 

The wind brought down trees across Albert Road in Southport last night. Other trees were knocked down and blocked roads including: Argyle Road, Cypress Road, Haig Avenue, Scarisbrick New Road. 

A tree fell down in Scarisbrick on the road between Heaton’s Bridge and The A570 Southport Road.

The wind blew the rooves from garages on Albert Road in Southport. Photo by Lis Campbell

Part of a house came down on Duke Street

Homes across the region have suffered power cuts, including in parts of Scarisbrick last night. 

Yesterday’s Winter Light Trail was cancelled due to the poor weather. 

The storm also saw the postponement of last night’s Switch On of the Christmas Lights on Bispham Road in High Park. 

Part of the canopy was damaged on King Street opposite Southport Market. 

Contractors from IllumiDex UK Ltd rushed into action last night when gale force winds knocked down the cone shaped Christmas decorations on the Lord Street roundabout. 

Wind knocked down the Warren James sign on Chapel Street in Southport. Photo by Rachel Lomax

Jacqueline Cannon said last night: “On Eastbank Street, Chapel Street and Princes Street, bins were flying with garbage everywhere.

“I walked down Chapel Street home from work and mostly okay but debris / rubbish everywhere. Be safe, it was 68mph I believe last night. I was nearly blown over turning from Chapel Street into Eastbank Street! Still have power so that’s good.”

Wind also tore down the Warren James sign on Chapel Street in Southport. 

Lis Campbell said last night: “Rooves are off the garages at the back of Sandown Court debris flying all over Gordon Street. Whole garage door has just gone flying.”

Adele Kinch said: “I’m just grateful that wasn’t happening on my way to and from the gym, especially as I am visually impaired with a guide dog.”

The storm has led to the Met Office issuing a Yellow Weather Warning for Wind in Southport. 

The weather warning means that from Friday evening through Saturday there is a high chance of very strong winds, cold temperatures, rain and sleet, which can be hazardous for vulnerable people or those with long term health conditions.

The Met office for Southport is better on Sunday, with no weather warning in place, and a forecast of ‘clear, changing to cloudy by lunchtime’. But could they have done more yesterday? 

Neville Smith said: “The growling roar of the wind was horrendous and I am sure many had a sleepless night listening to strange noises of blown things and disturbed roofs.

“The Met Office underestimated the gale force until the last few hours….. forecast initially at c 50mph for Crossens, then upgraded to c60mph, it last night it changed to 70 mph and sounded like a train coming down the chimney.

“I found it very upsetting that of the two late map areas colour coded by the Met for gale warnings, the most southern area seemed to begin at Southport!

The Ainsdale Christmas tree was blown over by Storm Arwen. Photo by Charlotte House

“Going into the back garden to check on damage was to walk into a maelstrom and deeply alarming.

“Deep commiserations to all those with gale damage, lets hope December brings more settled conditions and a chance to fix things.

“I do wish the Met Office would stop referring to “blustery conditions” when a wind speed is perpetually approaching 45-50 mph…..its a gale at that point for all practical purposes!”

A tree blown down in Hesketh Park in Southport. Photo by Southport parkrun

Chapel Street end of Cambridge Arcade closed off 

Cambridge Arcade in Southport, at the Chapel Street end, was closed on Saturday morning due to wind damage. All the businesses remain open. You can gain access through. Lord Street Sharrock Street or through Cambridge walks. Photo by Paul Dawbarn

Cambridge Arcade in Southport, at the Chapel Street end, was closed on Saturday morning due to wind damage.

All the businesses remain open.

You can gain access through. Lord Street Sharrock Street or through Cambridge walks.

Southport FC match postponed

Our match against Darlington today has been called off due to storm damage at the ground and concerns for the safety of spectators. We hope to reschedule the game for Tuesday evening. More details to follow in due course.

Tickets bought for today’s game will be valid on Tuesday. If you are unable to attend on Tuesday you can apply for a refund by e-mailing accounts@southportfc.net

Winter Light Trail on Friday cancelled 

A Luminate spokesperson said: “Regrettably we have to inform you that tonight’s Luminate Southport is not able to go ahead. We have been constantly monitoring the weather (and most specifically wind conditions) on site and those forecasted for the duration of tonight’s event. We have taken the decision that in the interests of the health and safety of our guests and staff, it is best for our event not to proceed tonight.

“We apologise for the disappointment that this will cause, but our absolute priority is the safety of our guests and staff.

“We will send you a further email within the next 24 hours, with step by step instructions on how to transfer your ticket to another night so that you do not have to miss out on your Luminate experience and further information generally about how to contact us should you need additional support with this. Please kindly await this email and follow those instructions prior to contacting us, so as to help ensure that we are able to deal with everybody’s enquiries as quickly as possible.

“Thank you again for your support and for your patience whilst we get you re-booked.” 

Bispham Road Christmas Lights Switch on cancelled 

A spokesperson for the High Park: Think Family Think Community Project said: “Unfortunately, due to the high winds that Strom Arwen is due to bring, we are cancelling tonight’s Christmas switch-on at Bispham Road.

“We are very disappointed that we are not able to go ahead with the event. However, we are looking to reschedule, so watch this space!”

A tree down on Crowland Street in Southport due to Storm Arwen. Photo by Katherine Cadwell

Healthcare leaders share advice for keeping people safe

With the Met Office issuing a weather warning for the North West, healthcare leaders in Sefton are sharing advice for keeping safe and well this weekend.

Sefton residents are being asked to look out for their relatives, friends and neighbours, and to follow the NHS advice on keeping safe and well, below.

Keep warm

If you are aged 65 or older, or have long term conditions such as heart or kidney disease, diabetes or breathing conditions, you should keep warm by heating your home to at least 18°C (65°F). You should also wear several layers of light clothes to keep warm, as multiple layers will trap warm air better than one bulky layer of clothing.

Keeping warm over the winter months can also help us all to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

If you do go outside during the wet and windy weather, remember to wear shoes with a good grip to prevent slips and fall. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.

A tree blown down in Hesketh Park in Southport. Photo by Southport parkrun

Be prepared

Ensure you have stocked your cupboards with food and medications in advance, to avoid going out in the bad weather. There are a variety of items you can keep at home to keep healthy and treat minor illnesses, such as pain relief medications, lozenges, cold and cough syrups, antihistamines, and much more.

Susanne Lynch MBE, head of medicines management at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said:

“The cold weather can make us all more vulnerable to illness, but help is available from all local pharmacies in Sefton, who can advise on treatment for minor illnesses and what to keep in your medicine cabinet.”

“If you do become ill, we ask that you think about self-care, speaking to your local pharmacist, or calling NHS 111 for non-emergencies.”

Know where to get help

If you have an urgent medical problem, but not an emergency, get help from NHS 111 by visiting: www.111.nhs.uk online, or calling 111.

For help with treatment for common illnesses like coughs, colds or earache contact your local pharmacy who can give advice and recommend medicines and are happy to help. You can also access NHS advice and information at www.nhs.uk.

Cllr Ian Moncur, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Sefton Council, said:

“During the poor weather this weekend we encourage everyone in our local communities to keep an eye out for vulnerable residents and neighbours, or anyone living alone who may need advice or support.”

“If you’re worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your local council or ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 00 99 66.”

Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com