People in Southport and across Sefton are being urged to stay away from parks and woodland when Storm Isha sweeps in this Sunday and Monday (21st and 22nd January 2024).
Sefton Council is taking the unusual action of closing a number of parks on Sunday afternoon, and won’t reopen them until an inspection to assess any damage has taken place on Monday.
A Sefton Council spokesperson said: “Due to extremely high winds affecting the Sefton coast overnight Sunday and early hours of Monday, we are advising people to stay away from parks and woodland.
“Botanic Gardens, Hesketh Park, Victoria Park and Derby Park will close at 4pm on Sunday and won’t reopen until a visual inspection has been carried out on Monday morning.”
The Met Office has issued a Yellow Weather Warning for Wind and Rain from Midday on Sunday until Midday on Monday.
They said: “Strong winds associated with Storm Isha may bring disruption to travel and utilities across parts of the UK on Sunday and Monday.”
Sefton Council has issued the following advice:
Stormy Weather: What You Need To Know
From time to time Sefton, given its coastal location, is exposed to high winds and stormy conditions.
This weather will often lead to Met Office Yellow & Amber alerts, meaning there will be a need for communities to take action to look after themselves and others.
Already in 2024, Sefton and the North West have been hit by Storm Henk.
Storm Isha (21/01/24 – 22/01/24)
Parks: Sefton Council is advising people to stay away from parks and woodland from 6pm on Sunday evening (21/01/24) until the stormy weather passes around midday on Monday (22/01/24)
Botanic Gardens, Hesketh Park, Victoria Park and Derby Park will close at 4pm on Sunday and won’t reopen until a visual inspection has been carried out on Monday morning.
What can happen?
If weather conditions become really bad it’s possible that some roads, parks and shopping arcades could be temporarily closed.
Trees may be blown over and it is likely you could see significant damage to properties and land across Sefton.
In extreme cases some services, like schools and public transport, may be temporarily suspended.
How will I know?
With any serious weather alerts, Sefton Council and its partners will work together to keep our communities up to date with the latest information, advice and guidance in order to keep you safe.
We will use our social media pages on Twitter and Facebook to post regular updates and share messages from partners, as well as regularly updating this web page.
Is this dangerous?
With precautions taken and journeys limited, many residents will only face minor disruptions during a storm.
However we often will advise people to stay away from coastal areas, especially our beaches and unsheltered areas when the weather is poor.
Some roads could become blocked by fallen debris or trees.
Be aware that a storm may cause significant damage to weakened/loose structures like roof tiles, fences and chimney stacks and this may not be immediately noticeable.
You can use this link to find Met Office warnings and advice.
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