Parks close and travel disrupted as Met Office issues red weather warning

By Jacob Phillips, Local Democracy Reporter

Trees are being tied down in Central London as 70mph winds are set to batter the capital.

London councils have shut their parks and cemeteries to prepare for Storm Eunice, which has prompted a rare red weather warning.

The royal parks have all been shut as the Met Office warns that roofs could be blown off and flying debris could cause serious injuries when high winds strike London.

Hyde Park, Regents Park, Richmond Park and West Brompton Cemetery are among the parks and cemeteries that have been closed.

Kensington and Chelsea council has told schools to prepare their buildings and secure any construction work.

Market vendors have also been advised to ensure their stalls are weighed down so they don’t get blown over.

In Westminster, residents have also been asked to tie down their bin bags and garden furniture to prevent them from blowing into people’s windows.

The council’s officers have been out this morning securing loose items such as motorbikes across the centre of London.

The Central London council has advised residents and visitors to stay indoors and avoid walking near walls and fences in case they are blown away by strong winds.

Residents have also been advised not to go out and fix damage during the storm and all fallen trees should be reported to Westminster City council.

The storm has already begun to cause travel disruption in the capital. All flights to City Airport along with a number of flights at Heathrow have been cancelled.

The London Underground is experiencing severe delays between Liverpool Street and Enfield Town due to items blown on to the track in the Bethnal Green area.

London commuters have also been sent home to wait out the storm rather then going to work today.

The last time a red warning was issued was when Storm Arwen hit in November 2021 and before that in March 2018.

Pictured top: A fallen tree in Kennington (image: Jessica Bull)