Storm Éowyn: Amber Warning for Yorkshire Coast as High Winds and Disruption Expected

An amber weather warning has been issued for the Yorkshire Coast as Storm Éowyn is set to bring very strong winds and widespread disruption on Friday.

The storm is expected to move across the northwest of the UK, clearing to the northeast by Friday night.

What to Expect

• Strong Winds: Peak gusts of 60-70 mph are expected inland, with 70-80 mph in some areas, and 80-90 mph along more exposed coasts and hills. There may be a brief reduction in wind strength as the center of the storm passes, before winds rapidly increase again.
• Travel Disruption: Road, rail, air, and ferry services are likely to be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. Some roads and bridges may close. Train services will be severely impacted.
• Power Cuts: Power cuts are likely to occur, with potential impacts on other services such as mobile phone coverage.
• Damage to Property: There is a chance of damage to buildings and homes, including roofs being blown off and power lines brought down.
• Coastal Hazards: Injuries and danger to life could occur from flying debris, as well as large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads, and properties. It is advised to stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves, as even from the shore, breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.

The Met office has issued an Amber Warning for the Northern end of the Yorkshire Coast and a Yellow Warning for areas south of Scarborough.

Travel Advice for the Yorkshire Coast

• Northern Rail: Northern Rail is advising customers to avoid travelling where possible on Friday 24 January due to severe weather risks. If travel is necessary, customers should check before travelling, as trains may be cancelled at short notice, and onward connections may not be possible. Certain routes are designated as "Do Not Travel," meaning no trains or replacement bus services are available; these include Leeds-Nottingham and Sheffield-Scarborough. For the Sheffield-Scarborough route, only the Hull-Scarborough part will be operating. Similarly, the York-Bridlington line will only run between Hull and Bridlington.
  • Customers can use their Friday, January 24th tickets on any other Northern service between January 23rd and 28th.
  • If a Northern train is cancelled, tickets can be used on Transpennine Express or LNER trains up to two hours before or after the scheduled time on the same day at no extra cost.
  • Full refunds are available for cancelled trains when tickets were purchased from Northern.
  • Northern is lifting ticket restrictions, so passengers can catch earlier or later trains by any available route.
• TransPennine Express (TPE): TPE is urging customers not to travel on services between York, Newcastle, and Edinburgh on Friday. They advise those travelling on affected routes to reconsider their plans and follow the guidance provided. Customers with tickets for the affected routes can defer their journey or use their tickets for travel between January 23rd and 27th. Alternatively, they can request a full refund.

• Network Rail is urging passengers using the East Coast Main Line and across the North East not to travel on Friday. Passengers are advised not to travel north of York on Friday. There will be no trains north of Newcastle after 11am, with some lines closed and further restrictions on services possible.

Sam MacDougall, Network Rail operations director, said: 

“Storm Éowyn will bring high winds which will have an effect on our ability to run trains on the East Coast Main Line and in the North East.

“This weather arrives just before our engineering work on the south end of the East Coast Main Line, with no trains to or from King’s Cross at the weekend, so passengers are urged to travel early, today if they can, to avoid being further affected after the worst of the storm has passed.

“The decision to tell passengers not to travel is not taken lightly, but given Friday’s forecast it’s the best way of keeping people safe.”

A spokesperson on behalf of train operators said: 

“We have made proactive decisions, in partnership with Network Rail, to keep our customers safe ahead of the arrival of Storm Éowyn, with disruption expected across the rail network.

“Changes have been made to services already, with further short-notice alterations possible as the storm arrives. Up-to-date travel information and alternative travel options can be found on National Rail Enquiries or on our social media channels and websites.”

Northern Powergrid Prepared for Potential Disruptions

Northern Powergrid has stated that they are prepared for potential power supply disruptions caused by Storm Éowyn. Their teams are ready to respond as quickly as possible to keep the power on. They encourage customers to report power cuts online at northernpowergrid.com or by calling 105, which will help them locate issues more quickly.

"Our teams are here for our customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and we are ready to respond if the weather causes any disruption to our customers’ power supplies".

They are also proactively contacting vulnerable customers who are registered as part of their free Priority Services Membership. The company has customer support vehicles and welfare partners ready to provide help in local communities. They advise turning off electrical appliances at the socket during a power cut and keeping a battery or wind-up torch handy. If you see fallen trees or damaged cables, stay clear and call 105 immediately.

RSPCA Advice for Animal Owners

The RSPCA is urging animal owners to take immediate action to ensure the welfare of their pets, livestock, and wildlife.

RSPCA Inspector Jason Finch, National Water Rescue Coordinator said:

“It’s really important we once again help our animal friends get through this bout of bad weather this week, which could possibly lead to flooding and other damage caused by very strong gusts of wind. Animals must not be forgotten as the country prepares for Storm Éowyn.”

They advise bringing small animals inside and upstairs, if possible, and moving livestock to higher ground. Owners should also ensure they have emergency feed and water supplies. It is also important to ensure contact details are on gates in case livestock is in a field and contact is needed. If animals must be left behind, leave them in an upstairs room with food and water, and leave notices on the doors to inform rescuers.

The RSPCA has trained officers and rescue boats to help animals in distress, and people are urged not to attempt dangerous rescues themselves. Instead, they advise calling the RSPCA and other response agencies for help.

"Don’t put your own life or another’s life in danger to attempt an animal rescue and instead call us and other response agencies for help in an emergency.”

The RSPCA also recommends leaving extra food out for birds above ground level and providing shelter for ground-nesting birds.

They also advise planning an escape route, having carriers available for small animals, and keeping important documents and photos of pets in a sealed bag.

Stay Informed

Residents are advised to stay informed by checking the Met Office forecast. For flood warnings, the public can call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit https://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood

Prepare for the Storm

Residents in Scarborough, Whitby, Filey, and Bridlington are being advised to prepare to protect their property and people from injury.

• Check for loose items outside your home and plan how to secure them, including bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
• People should also prepare for potential power cuts by gathering torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack, and other essential items.
• For travel, check bus and train timetables, and if driving, ensure you have essentials in your car, such as warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, and a phone charger.