Updates as Storm Ciara hits Flintshire

The Met Office has issued several National Severe Weather Warnings for gale force winds and heavy rain brought by the storm throughout the weekend.

An amber wind warning in Flintshire came into play at 9am this morning and last through 7pm.

An amber warning means people need to “be prepared to change plans and protect themselves, their family and community from the impacts of the severe weather based on the forecast” says the Met Office.

17:15 – Update: Flintshire Council has said Flintshire Bridge will reopen at 8pm on Sunday evening.

13:10 Update – Greenfield and Oakenholt Household Recycling Centres have reopened.

OPEN:
Greenfield and Oakenholt Household Recycling Centres have been reopened.

Waste and recycling crews are out today. Where it’s safe waste and recycling will be collected. https://t.co/BqvAqGmd0x

— Flintshire Council (@FlintshireCC) February 9, 2020

12:30 Update – Flintshire County Council deputy leader and cabinet member for streetscene Carolyn Thomas has sent us this tweet:

The A5104 Corwen Road just reopened. Oakenholt and Greenfield household recycling sites are closed. The A548 Coast Road in Greenfield has flooded due to the Dee breaching its bank. Drive carefully as a lot of roads have flooding issues. @DeesideDotCom pic.twitter.com/raPzOOd7kT

— Carolyn Thomas (@Carolynthomas03) February 9, 2020

The public have been advised to stay away from the wooded areas of Wepre Park until the storm has passed though the cafe remains open.

A spokesperson for the Old Hall Cafe said: “As much as we would love your company on this fine day, ☕🍰 please be careful people are being advised to stay out of the woods. We are however still open should you wish to venture out.”

FCC Wepre Park  Facebook page shows several pictures of small trees which have been blown down today.

11:30 Update: First ‘bin down’ report sent in – a bit of a tradition when its windy. 

@DeesideDotCom Don’t panic… DON’T PANIC!!! #bitwindy pic.twitter.com/HQizIeReNe

— MrsTed (@Tedali42) February 9, 2020

11:28 Update: Flintshire Council has closed Greenfield and Oakenholt Household Recycling Centre (tips) for ‘safety reasons’

CLOSED:

We have closed the following Household Recycling Centre sites for safety reasons #StormCiara

Greenfield and Oakenholt

— Flintshire Council (@FlintshireCC) February 9, 2020

Earlier Reports: The largest wind gust recorded at Hawarden Airfield – our nearest weather station – in the past few hours was 52mph [85kmh] at 8am.

Gusts over higher ground and coastal areas of North Wales have been much stronger, winds are expected to strengthen over the next few hours.

North Wales Police has advised members of the public to travel only if necessary. 

Numerous reports of localised flooding and very high winds across the entire North Wales area this morning which has led to trees falling – road disruption is expected and we encourage people to take care and only travel if necessary. Thank you #StormCiara

— North Wales Police (@NWPolice) February 9, 2020

The A5104 Corwen Road in Treuddyn  has been blocked both ways by a fallen tree.

The council has said, “operatives are working to clear the debris and the road will be reopened as soon as possible.”

Deputy Leader of Flintshire County Council Carolyn Thomas tweeted Deeside.com to say: “Tree down on the A5104 Corwen Road towards Rhydtalog, possibly taken a power cable with it so closure will be in place for a while. 70 mph winds and rain causing flooding in areas, advice is stay home and stay safe.”

According to Scottish Power, electricity was cut at 7.50am in the area but was restored around 30 minutes later.

Flintshire Council says it has additional resources and on-call teams standing by over the weekend to deal with any emergencies brought on by the stormy weather.

Chief Officer for Streetscene and Transportation, Steve Jones, said:

“Following the weather warnings, Flintshire County Council will monitor conditions over the weekend.

Additional resources have been allocated and the on-call teams will be available throughout the period to attend any emergencies.

Wind speeds will be monitored, and it may be necessary to close the Flintshire Bridge.

Please contact Flintshire County Council’s Contact Centre on 01352 701234 to report any concerns.”

On the trains, Merseyrail has said a fallen tree is blocking the tracks at Eastham Rake.

Services on the Chester and Ellesmere Port line are disrupted, Rail replacement buses have been requested to run between Hooton and Rock Ferry.

Rail services across the North Wales are subject to wide spread disruption, the latest information can be found here:  https://tfwrail.wales/travel-updates.

Chester Zoo has closed for the day.

The spokesperson has said, “Anyone who has pre-booked tickets for today will automatically receive a full refund. If you would like to speak with a member of our team please contact us on 01244 380280 or via [email protected].”

They added: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused but visitor safety and animal welfare are our top priorities.