Storm Eunice latest LIVE: Severe winds brings London to a halt as trains and flights canceled

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1645196467Met Office red weather warning comes to end in London but fallout still expected

A rare red weather warning issued by the Met Office has come to an end from 3pm on Friday.

The warning covered London, the south-east of England and parts of the east of England.

We will continue to bring you updates from across the capital and beyond.

1645196282Around 1,000 evacuated from the O2 due to roof damage

People in the O2 at the time of the roof damage were evacuated as winds from Eunice ripped through the tent material.

Around 1,000 were forced to leave the arena in North Greenwich on Friday.

London Fire Brigade said firefighters had been called to a “partial roof collapse” at the venue.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Station Commander Chris Kamara, who was at the scene, said: “Firefighters cordoned off the area to ensure no one was injured by any further falling debris.

“There has been no actual collapse or structural damage to the building, but due to the nature of the canvas material which covers The O2, it has come loose in high winds and looks quite dramatic.

“Crews have made the scene safe and The O2 is now closed until further notice.”

1645195654London Ambulance Service ‘responding to high volume of calls’

London Ambulance Service ha s asked members of the public to only call in the event of a serious medical emergency.

LAS said it was “responding to a high volume of calls” amid a red weather warning sweeping the capital.

They also urged people not to call about fallen trees or debris unless a person was injured or there was immediate risk to life, instead of saying to report it to the local council.

A spokesman said: “Please take care: stay at home and indoors as much as possible and do not drive unless your journey is absolutely necessary.

“We have taken calls about fallen trees – please do not call 999 about fallen trees/debris unless there are injuries or an immediate risk to life.

“Fallen trees or large branches on the road or pavement can be reported to the council.”

1645195486Volunteers clearing up fallen trees in Stamford Hill

Community group Shomrin has begun a clear up of fallen trees in north London.

Images show fallen trees in Stamford Hill, one having landed on the roof of a car while another has snapped in half.

1645194863Two people injured across London due to Storm Eunice

Two people have been injured in separate incidents across London on Friday as Storm Eunice continues.

A man was taken to hospital after being injured by falling debris in Waterloo, south London, at around midday, the London Ambulance Service (LAS) said.

LAS said he was “treated at the scene and taken to a hospital as a priority”.

Another man was taken to hospital with a head injury after being struck by a tree in Streetham, south London.

The incident happened shortly before 11am.

No further detail was available about either casualty.

1645193959O2 Arena ‘closed for rest of day’ after damage to tent fabric of roof

London O2 Arena ripped open by Storm Eunice

The O2 Arena will remain closed for the rest of the day after part of its roof was damaged in gales by Storm Eunice.

A spokesperson for the O2 said: “Due to today’s adverse weather conditions, we can confirm that there has been some damage caused to the tent fabric in our roof at The O2.

“The affected areas have been cleared and The O2 will remain closed for the rest of the day.

“The safety of our visitors remains of paramount importance, and we will continue to assess the ongoing situation and act accordingly.”

1645193658Heathrow Airport hardest hit for flight cancellations, according to aviation analytics firm

A total of 436 flights have been cancelled across the UK on Friday, according to the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Some 20 per cent of cancellations were to and from London Heathrow airport, making it the hardest hit for cancellations as Storm Eunice continues to hammer down on the UK.

It comes as 70mph winds were recorded at Heathrow, which by 1pm was the strongest in the London area.

Second worst for cancellations was London City airport, which saw 16 per cent of its flights canceled followed by Manchester with 10 per cent.

1645193733Council worker dies after being struck by fallen tree in ‘workplace accident’ in Ireland

A man has been killed in Co Wexford after being struck by a falling tree, police in Ireland have said.

Wexford County Council issued a statement, saying: “It is with deep regret and sadness that Wexford County Council confirms that one of our employees was fatally injured earlier today in a workplace accident.”

A spokesperson added: “The accident occurred as the employee attended the scene of a fallen tree in the North Wexford area.

“The employee’s family, An Garda Siochana and the Health and Safety Authority have been informed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the employee’s family, work colleagues and friends at this very difficult time.”

1645192958SWR services suspended and customers urged not to travel following severe weather

South Western Railway services have been suspended as Storm Eunice continues to blow a gale on the capital.

In a joint statement, South Western Railway and Network Rail said: “Gusts of more than 90mph wind have caused multiple incidents across the SWR network today, with 30 fallen trees already blocking key routes.

“As a result, SWR services have been suspended until at least 18.00 and we strongly urge customers not to travel at this time. We are working hard to restore services, but ask customers to make alternative travel plans if they can.

“Customers should regularly check the ‘Plan my journey’ page on SWR’s website, which will be updated with the latest information every hour.

“We would like to apologise to our customers for the impact this will have on their journeys, but – as always – our primary concern is the safety and welfare of customers and colleagues out on the network.”

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