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Storm Eunice weather warning as train passengers and motorists told to stay at home tomorrow

By: Joe Wright jwright@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 17:46, 16 February 2022

Updated: 21:24, 17 February 2022

Train operators and highways chiefs are recommending people work from home tomorrow as a result of incoming Storm Eunice.

Southeastern, which is anticipating high levels of disruption due to trees and debris blocking tracks across Kent, is to cancel a number of its services and instruct drivers to slow down.

The likelihood of trees falling on Friday is high

Therefore, bosses have issued guidance to passengers - telling them to consider postponing their usual journeys.

Those with train ticket tickets for Friday will be able to use them on either Thursday or Saturday at no extra charge, or they can apply for a refund.

Anyone who does decide to travel should allow extra time for their journey and should be prepared for disruption, the train operator has warned.

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As well as train services being scaled back, several visitor attractions in Kent have also decided to close their doors to the public tomorrow.

And the reopening of a pier for anglers after four years as been stalled, as feared, because of the stormy weather.

Read more!

Dover Sea Angling Association had on Tuesday warned it might happen even though the Admiralty Pier was scheduled to be reused tomorrow.

Elsewhere Highways England announced two lanes on the QE2 Bridge at the Dartford Crossing have been closed this morning due to the strong winds.

The lane closures on the bridge are from Essex to Junction 1A A206 for Dartford and has been introduced for safety reasons in case vehicles get blown downwind.

Later today National Highways South-East also tweeted to say the bridge would be closed from 5am tomorrow morning in readiness for the storm.

And the Tilbury Ferry which runs a service from the Town Pier in Gravesend is still running today, but will not run tomorrow because of the storm.

And a vaccination clinic at Asda in Chatham has been cancelled tomorrow and Saturday due to the high winds.

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The Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group tweeted the news of the closure this afternoon.

National Highways also issued a fresh advisory this afternoon reminding drivers to take care and be prepared for strong gales in the morning.

Motorists, particularly those driving high-sided HGVs, caravans and motorcycles, are advised to check the weather and driving conditions before setting out on journeys and should pay particular attention to exposed locations such as coastal and high lying areas and bridges which could be affected by the high winds.

It is anticipated Kent may see gusts of 60-70 mph quite widely, with the potential for gusts as high as 80mph near the coast and inland in exposed elevated areas.

The highest of these winds in the region are expected to be experienced between 9am and 2pm.

Two lanes of the QE2 Bridge in Dartford have been closed due to strong winds. Photo: Anthony Upton/Alea

Due to the blustery forecast, there will be a 50mph speed restriction across most of the Southeastern train network tomorrow between 10am and 6pm.

There will also be pre-planned cancellations.

Trains between Hastings and London Charing Cross won’t run between London Bridge and Charing Cross, while peak hour trains between the Medway Towns and London Cannon Street won’t run in the morning or evening.

Peak hour trains between Hastings/Ashford/Tonbridge and London Cannon Street also won't run in the morning or evening.

An amber warning is in place for Friday. Picture: Met Office

The Dover TAP scheme is being enforced on the A20 from Folkestone through to Dover due to high volumes of freight traffic being backed up because of delays on ferries because of the bad weather.

This afternoon there were delays of up to two hours on DFDS Seaways ferry due to the high winds.

An amber weather warning has been put in place by the Met Office, beginning at 3am and ending at 9pm.

And people travelling to Gatwick Airport tomorrow are also being urged to leave more time for their journeys and try to arrive at the airport earlier than they would normally.

Passengers flying tomorrow should also check with their airline in case of any disruption.

Elsewhere, in Rainham, roadworks have been postponed tomorrow in Pump Lane due to Storm Eunice and workers will removed all signage prevent it from being blown over.

And in Dover the car park and cafe at Kearsney Abbey will be closed from first thing tomorrow morning and the council says the situation will be reviewed mid-morning.

Luke Blazye, from Teapot Island in Yalding, says they are prepared and can deal with any flooding.

"Water is a big issue for us being where we are. We're quite fortunate that we have flood defence systems that can be put on within an hour if necessary.

"We've done everything we possibly can. Because we are quite isolated, we have had problems with overhead power cables getting damaged by trees, which causes lots of power cuts. Now we actually have our own backup generator."

Engineers from UK Power Networks teams say they are ready to respond to any power cuts caused by Storm Eunice.

Head of customer services and innovation at the energy firm, Ian Cameron, said: “This storm comes hot on the heels of Storm Dudley where we managed to get power supplies restored the same night.

"Based on the forecasts we anticipate that Eunice has the potential to cause significant damage to electricity networks so we are ready with extra resources on duty. Our message to people is to please be prepared at home, in case your power goes off.

“We understand how difficult it is to be without electricity especially during cold weather, and will be working to restore supplies as quickly as is safely possible. If you see any damaged power lines our advice is to stay away, keep everyone clear and call us on 105.”

UK Power Networks also offers free extra help to people living in vulnerable circumstances, who are on its Priority Services Register so residents are urged to sign up if they are eligible.

Read more!

The promise of dangerous winds and potential blizzards means motorists, as well as train passengers, are being warned to consider how necessary their journeys are in the morning.

National Highways head of road safety Jeremy Phillips said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve.

“If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.

"In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down."

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