Storm Darragh forces Hawarden High School closure on Monday after building suffers ‘significant damage’

Hawarden High School will be closed on Monday after sustaining significant structural damage during Storm Darragh.

High winds caused part of the school building to collapse, leaving debris scattered across the site.

The storm also resulted in rain water penetrating the building at multiple locations and uprooted trees on the school grounds.

Headteacher Simon Budgen announced the closure, explaining that structural engineers will continue to assess the damage over the weekend, with remedial work expected to begin as soon as conditions improve. He said:

“I have made the early decision to close school on Monday. This will allow some of this work to be carried out when the weather is forecast to improve and to be as flexible as possible should we need to respond to any further issues.”

While the school aims to reopen on Tuesday with alternative arrangements in place for the affected areas, Mr Budgen emphasised that safety remains the priority. A final decision on reopening will be confirmed on Monday.

To ensure continuity of education, the school has activated its remote learning plan.

Mr Budgen urged parents to encourage students to log onto their Teams sites from 9 a.m. on Monday, where teachers will provide work for the day.

Storm Darragh has wreaked havoc across the UK, with North Wales bearing the brunt of the storm. Weather warnings for wind and rain remain in effect until early tomorrow morning, with weakened trees and roof tiles continuing to pose risks.

Heavy flooding has hit multiple locations in Flintshire.

@DeesideDotCom Mold. pic.twitter.com/cRJZ2O4N7I

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A multi-agency response to clear fallen trees and debris from roads and public spaces will resume tomorrow (8th December) during daylight hours. Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious while outdoors.

Superintendent Owain Llewellyn of North Wales Police thanked residents for their cooperation during the storm, stating:
“I would like to thank the public for heeding the advice of the Emergency Services during Storm Darragh. Your support has allowed us to dispatch resources to incidents and areas most in need and provide an effective emergency response during difficult circumstances. I am also extremely grateful to our partners for their ongoing hard work across North Wales.”