Storm Ciara brings down trees and closes roads in Hertfordshire

Storm Ciara is set to hit the UK this weekend and is reported to be the most intense to hit the country since 2013.

Winds of up to 80 mph and the Met Office has issued a “danger to life” warning.

Transport has been affected. Trains are operating at reduced speeds of 50mph. 

Police are getting a high number of calls to their control room reporting trees blocking highways across the county.

Due to high winds, the A10 viaduct at Ware is currently closed in both directions. Please use alternative routes.

A tree that had fallen onto a car on Hempstead Road, Bovingdon.

Fire Control received calls of trees hanging precariously, loose roofing, unsafe scaffolding, collapsing walls,  a trampoline which had blown onto some garages.

Hillingdon Council tweeted “We’ve closed all of our parks today due to the high winds from Storm Ciara, and we advise people not to visit any park today. Please check up-to-date weather warnings and follow the advice on staying safe in stormy weather”

 

Herts Fire Control received a call to a tree hanging precariously over a public footpath and road on Moorlands, Welwyn Garden City. A crew from Welwyn Garden City attended and made the scene safe until herts highways can attend.

Herts Highway say “Our gritters will be on standby in case they are needed tonight. Strong winds and heavy rain may make conditions tricky this afternoon and overnight so please take care, and it could get chilly later tonight as the cloud breaks up.”