Warnings issued as Storm Eunice causes disruption to the Midlands
Two people have suffered minor injuries after a tree blew over onto the bonnet of their car in Brewood in South Staffordshire.
It comes as Storm Eunice has brought strong winds and gusts to the East and West Midlands today.
Gusts are currently reaching speeds of around 70mph with the region currently under an Amber warning.
And there is a significant risk of damage to roofs, power lines coming down, trees falling, and travel disruption too.
High-sided lorries, for example, will find they're being blown around on the motorways, while motorbikes and caravans are also at particular risk.
Dashcam footage of the M40 Northbound in the Midlands shows a lorry being blown over (credit: Twitter / @Mr_Crouch1)
As for rain, it seems like there will be more of that all over the weekend, meaning we could be looking at flooding at places in the Midlands as well.
One man from Blackheath in the Black Country has described a wall collapsing on an estate due to strong winds this morning.
Chris Lowe said they heard a massive bang outside of their work unit in Long Lane at around 10:20am.
CCTV footage captured the incident showing some of the roof coming apart and falling onto parked vehicles.
What is the latest travel disruption in the Midlands due to Storm Eunice?
So far, this morning the Midlands has seen different weather warnings and travel closures in the lead up to the arrival of the storm which is expected from 8:00am.
In train travel, services have been severely reduced due to the storm with a speed limit of just 50 miles per hour has been put on all train services across the country.
Delays of up to 60 minutes and some cancellations on Great Western Railway between Bristol Temple Meads and Worcester Foregate St have been reported due to fallen trees on the line.
West Midlands Railway have announced there are cancellations to services between Northampton and London Euston, this is due blocked lines.
Both East and West Midlands Railway have urged people not to travel on their services today.
They have also advised that with London being under red warning, passengers can expect severe delays on any services to and from the capital.
At the moment almost 50 flights have been cancelled at Birmingham Airport because of the bad weather and people are being advised to check before travelling.
Meanwhile, at East Midlands Airport people are being advised to refer to terminal screens for more information.
Elsewhere, councils are urging people to contact them directly with road and tree issues rather than calling 999.
Leicestershire County Council have said it had dealt with 19 reports of fallen trees during Storm Dudley and they would like to hear directly from people with updates of fallen trees during Storm Eunice.
What advice is there for animal owners?
The RSPCA has issued advice to animal owners in the event of flooding and strong winds during Storm Eunice.
Some of these include:
Ensure you have a supply of food and medication for your pets
Ensure cats have access to the house or a warm, inside area where they can stay dry and escape the weather - if the weather becomes extreme, you could keep cats inside
Plan dog walks around the worst of the weather, and avoid any dangerous locations
If your dog is elderly, sick or feels the cold, get them a special coat to keep them warm
Provide pets with a quiet, safe space to retreat to if they find the wind or storms frightening
Make arrangements with a reliable, experienced friend to care for your horse or livestock in case you can’t reach them due to fallen trees or flooding.
Which schools are closed in the Midlands due to Storm Eunice ?
There are currently eight schools closed in Worcestershire due to the bad weather:
Eldersfield Lawn CE Primary School
Pebworth First School
Pendock CE Primary School
St Barnabas CE Primary School, Worcester
St Luke's CE First School
Tardebigge CE First School
Tenbury High Ormiston Academy
Upton-upon-Severn CE Primary School
Secondary and Primary schools in Shropshire have also seen closures today:
Church Stretton (Academy)
Lacon Childe, Cleobury Mortimer
Lakelands, Ellesmere (Academy)
Marches, Oswestry (Academy)
Mary Webb, Pontesbury
Meole Brace, Shrewsbury
Oldbury Wells, Bridgnorth
TMBSS - Bridgnorth Education Centre
TMBSS - Hook A Gate Education Centre
TMBSS - Ludlow Education Centre
TMBSS - Oswestry Education Centre
TMBSS - Sundorne Education Centre
Woodlands special school, Wem
Brown Clee, Ditton Priors
Meadows, Oswestry
Our Lady & St Oswald's Catholic Primary, Oswestry
St Martin's, Oswestry
TMBSS - Harlescott Education Centre including the Grove Hub and Meadows Hub
TMBSS - Monkmoor Education Centre
Trefonen
Woodlands, Wem
What local attractions in the Midlands are being closed in preparation for today's storm?
Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire says it's made the decision to remain closed to visitors all day today - in order to keep animals and staff safe from the storm.
The zoo's animals will be kept warm inside by the keepers, and it's hoped the attraction will reopen on Saturday. The zoo says anyone who had Friday tickets can transfer them.
In Nottingham family attractions, markets and all of the cities parks are among location that are closed.
Some other places include: Wollaton Hall, Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle
The Met Office have also provided 4 tips on things on how to stay safe on the road in blustery conditions
According to the Met Office this is what you can expect from an amber warning:
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 and possibly affect 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
It is likely there will be falling branches and some uprooted trees