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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2017/jan/13/snow-high-winds-flooding-travel-chaos-britain-live-updates

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Snow, high winds and flooding bring travel chaos to Britain - live updates Snow, high winds and flooding bring travel chaos to Britain - live updates
(35 minutes later)
3.52pm GMT
15:52
Make sure to check the latest forecast from the Met Office before clocking off for the weekend.
Plans for the weekend? Here's a look at the latest forecast ☀️🌧❄️https://t.co/ZezbVSoRqg
3.50pm GMT
15:50
Delays of more than an hour are being reported on ferries between Dover and Calais and Dover and Dunkerque.
TRAVEL: 1.5 hour delays on @dfds_uk between #Dover & #Calais and 30 minute delays between Dover & #Dunkerque to adverse weather conditions
3.27pm GMT
15:27
About 100 soldiers from the Catterick army base have been deployed to Skegness, the Ministry of Defence said.
Three schools in Norfolk and nine schools in Lincolnshire, including five in Skegness, have also been closed for the day.
Floods minister Therese Coffey said:
Our absolute priority is protecting lives, homes and businesses from the serious threat of coastal flooding currently facing the east coast.
That is why we have soldiers on the ground helping to warn and evacuate people alongside the emergency services and Environment Agency teams, who are working round the clock to make sure our permanent defences are working well and temporary defences are in place where necessary.
Updated
at 3.27pm GMT
3.24pm GMT
15:24
Suffolk police have identified around 1,880 properties at risk from the weather.
The EA has moved more than five miles (8km) of temporary barriers and 25 pumps to depots and towns along the east coast, while the Chief Fire Officers Association said it had mobilised 15 fire and rescue services to assist in Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Humberside.
While the first high tide in the early hours of Friday passed without major incident, there were fears that the second tide on Friday evening could be higher than anticipated.
EA national duty manager Mark Sitton-Kent said:
The combination of gale-force winds, high tides, dangerous waves carrying rocks and a coastal surge means parts of the east coast are extremely dangerous.
We have issued severe flood warnings and urge everyone to check their flood risk and ensure they are in a safe place.
Updated
at 3.27pm GMT
3.13pm GMT3.13pm GMT
15:1315:13
Mike Penning, the minister for the armed forces, has praised troops who have been deployed to areas that are at risk. He said:Mike Penning, the minister for the armed forces, has praised troops who have been deployed to areas that are at risk. He said:
We like to be in front of the problems, but traditionally we have always waited for the problems to come. Now we have tried to get in first – to be there alongside the other emergency services – and I’m really proud of what our troops are doing today.We like to be in front of the problems, but traditionally we have always waited for the problems to come. Now we have tried to get in first – to be there alongside the other emergency services – and I’m really proud of what our troops are doing today.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.16pm GMTat 3.16pm GMT
3.05pm GMT3.05pm GMT
15:0515:05
Nazia ParveenNazia Parveen
As a precaution, North Yorkshire council has announced a number of road closures in preparation for high tide.As a precaution, North Yorkshire council has announced a number of road closures in preparation for high tide.
They include the A174 in Sandsend; the Pier Road and Church Street in Whitby and Royal Albert Drive, Sandside, Foreshore Road and the Spa approach road in Scarborough.They include the A174 in Sandsend; the Pier Road and Church Street in Whitby and Royal Albert Drive, Sandside, Foreshore Road and the Spa approach road in Scarborough.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.16pm GMTat 3.16pm GMT
3.04pm GMT3.04pm GMT
15:0415:04
Scarborough and Ryedale Search and Rescue (SRMRT) have tweeted a picture of them arriving on the Yorkshire coast in preparation for the high tide and potential flooding.Scarborough and Ryedale Search and Rescue (SRMRT) have tweeted a picture of them arriving on the Yorkshire coast in preparation for the high tide and potential flooding.
Multiple @mountrescueuk deployment on the Yorkshire coast for the second high tide today and potential surge https://t.co/vPLRzOrP7C pic.twitter.com/GRHeCuO6LrMultiple @mountrescueuk deployment on the Yorkshire coast for the second high tide today and potential surge https://t.co/vPLRzOrP7C pic.twitter.com/GRHeCuO6Lr
2.37pm GMT2.37pm GMT
14:3714:37
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
I’m leaving the blog now, thanks for reading. I’m handing over duties to Nadia Khomami who will be with you soon.I’m leaving the blog now, thanks for reading. I’m handing over duties to Nadia Khomami who will be with you soon.
1.57pm GMT1.57pm GMT
13:5713:57
Nazia ParveenNazia Parveen
North Yorkshire’s coastal residents have been warned to prepare for large tidal surges on Friday afternoon.North Yorkshire’s coastal residents have been warned to prepare for large tidal surges on Friday afternoon.
Tourists and locals are being asked to avoid walking on coastal paths and promenades with large waves expected to crash into land at around 4pm.Tourists and locals are being asked to avoid walking on coastal paths and promenades with large waves expected to crash into land at around 4pm.
High tides are expected to particularly affect Sandsend, Whitby and Scarborough.High tides are expected to particularly affect Sandsend, Whitby and Scarborough.
Residents are being urged to be prepared and start building flood defences with sandbags to protect their homes.Residents are being urged to be prepared and start building flood defences with sandbags to protect their homes.
Harbour walls and piers at Whitby and Scarborough have been cordoned off to prevent access.Harbour walls and piers at Whitby and Scarborough have been cordoned off to prevent access.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.52pm GMTat 2.52pm GMT
1.42pm GMT1.42pm GMT
13:4213:42
Nazia ParveenNazia Parveen
Five cars have been damaged and a road has been closed after a collision in Bacup, Lancashire.Five cars have been damaged and a road has been closed after a collision in Bacup, Lancashire.
Police were called to Venture Street at 10.30am today to reports that a car skidded down the hill and collided with a number of parked cars.Police were called to Venture Street at 10.30am today to reports that a car skidded down the hill and collided with a number of parked cars.
The road has now been closed off from Tong Lane to Thorn Bank.The road has now been closed off from Tong Lane to Thorn Bank.
Bacup PCSO Chris Hamer posted on Twitter: “Please avoid Tong Lane, Bacup, as we currently have a five-vehicle RTC. We are awaiting gritters.”Bacup PCSO Chris Hamer posted on Twitter: “Please avoid Tong Lane, Bacup, as we currently have a five-vehicle RTC. We are awaiting gritters.”
Please avoid Tong Lane, Bacup, as we currently have a five vehicle RTC. We are awaiting gritters. pic.twitter.com/1QhyAWTn7jPlease avoid Tong Lane, Bacup, as we currently have a five vehicle RTC. We are awaiting gritters. pic.twitter.com/1QhyAWTn7j
Tong Lane #Bacup pic.twitter.com/lskvqi1Ud4Tong Lane #Bacup pic.twitter.com/lskvqi1Ud4
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.42pm GMTat 1.42pm GMT
1.35pm GMT1.35pm GMT
13:3513:35
Here’s some dramatic footage from PA’s Tom White.Here’s some dramatic footage from PA’s Tom White.
Some huge waves hitting Seaham lighthouse as the tide comes in @liamdutton @Lauratobin1 @StormHour pic.twitter.com/N9MZIpnPJjSome huge waves hitting Seaham lighthouse as the tide comes in @liamdutton @Lauratobin1 @StormHour pic.twitter.com/N9MZIpnPJj
1.30pm GMT1.30pm GMT
13:3013:30
Alexandra ToppingAlexandra Topping
Essex police have insisted they are not “crying wolf” as they urged residents in the coastal communities of Jaywick, Mistley and West Mersea to evacuate their homes immediately.Essex police have insisted they are not “crying wolf” as they urged residents in the coastal communities of Jaywick, Mistley and West Mersea to evacuate their homes immediately.
A full evacuation planfor the coastal communities was triggered at around 11am on Friday ahead of severe flooding expected overnight, with high tide due at 12.15am.A full evacuation planfor the coastal communities was triggered at around 11am on Friday ahead of severe flooding expected overnight, with high tide due at 12.15am.
By early afternoon evacuees were beginning to arrive at emergency “rest centres” set up in Clacton and West Mersea.By early afternoon evacuees were beginning to arrive at emergency “rest centres” set up in Clacton and West Mersea.
Essex police Ch Insp Russ Cole said the force had not taken the decision to evacuate lightly. “We are not crying wolf,” he said. “We have taken a carefully considered assessment. We can’t force people to leave their homes but there is a real and present risk.”Essex police Ch Insp Russ Cole said the force had not taken the decision to evacuate lightly. “We are not crying wolf,” he said. “We have taken a carefully considered assessment. We can’t force people to leave their homes but there is a real and present risk.”
Some residents facing evacuation have expressed concerns about looting, but Cole said there would be increased police patrols around empty properties.Some residents facing evacuation have expressed concerns about looting, but Cole said there would be increased police patrols around empty properties.
“If anyone thinks they can come with a van and commit crime in any of these areas they are wrong. We are doing stop checks and criminals are more likely to be arrested today when there are 200 extra officers on the ground.”“If anyone thinks they can come with a van and commit crime in any of these areas they are wrong. We are doing stop checks and criminals are more likely to be arrested today when there are 200 extra officers on the ground.”
To those who chose not to evacuate the town he said: “If you are contacted by police please do listen, they are saying this for a reason. Stay with friends or family or come to the rest centre with your pets – there really is no reason to stay behind.”To those who chose not to evacuate the town he said: “If you are contacted by police please do listen, they are saying this for a reason. Stay with friends or family or come to the rest centre with your pets – there really is no reason to stay behind.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.47pm GMTat 2.47pm GMT
1.25pm GMT1.25pm GMT
13:2513:25
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
The number of severe flood warnings issued by the Environment Agency is up again, now at 16.The number of severe flood warnings issued by the Environment Agency is up again, now at 16.
There are currently 16 severe flood warnings – which indicate danger to life – 87 warnings and 57 alerts in force in England and Wales.There are currently 16 severe flood warnings – which indicate danger to life – 87 warnings and 57 alerts in force in England and Wales.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.46pm GMTat 1.46pm GMT
1.10pm GMT1.10pm GMT
13:1013:10
Severin CarrellSeverin Carrell
Gale force winds have forced the cancellation of ferry services from the Scottish mainland to islands such as Mull by ferry operator CalMac and led to the rescheduling of other lifeline services to the Western Isles.Gale force winds have forced the cancellation of ferry services from the Scottish mainland to islands such as Mull by ferry operator CalMac and led to the rescheduling of other lifeline services to the Western Isles.
CalMac has announced a series of timetable changes and cancellations on its Twitter feed.CalMac has announced a series of timetable changes and cancellations on its Twitter feed.
AMBER #Oban #Craignure 13/01 1200 ex Oban & 1300 ex Craignure have been cancelled. Service will resume 1400 ex Oban (Weather permitting)AMBER #Oban #Craignure 13/01 1200 ex Oban & 1300 ex Craignure have been cancelled. Service will resume 1400 ex Oban (Weather permitting)
The number of road closures has grown following heavy snow affecting higher routes in the Scottish Borders and Highlands, BBC Scotland’s travel service has said.The number of road closures has grown following heavy snow affecting higher routes in the Scottish Borders and Highlands, BBC Scotland’s travel service has said.
Snow gates on A93 Spittal of Glenshee to Braemar road through the Cairngorms have been closed, while the A699 linking Selkirk to St Boswells in the Border is also shut.Snow gates on A93 Spittal of Glenshee to Braemar road through the Cairngorms have been closed, while the A699 linking Selkirk to St Boswells in the Border is also shut.
#A93 Spittal of Glenshee - Braemar road SNOW GATES CLOSED - alos SNOW GATES CLOSED on the #A939 Cockbridge Tomintoul stretch. T.T.#A93 Spittal of Glenshee - Braemar road SNOW GATES CLOSED - alos SNOW GATES CLOSED on the #A939 Cockbridge Tomintoul stretch. T.T.
Meanwhile, HM Coastguard, which helps coordinate mountain rescues, urged climbers and walkers to take great care in the Scottish Highlands during the adverse weather after a spate of incidents in recent weeks. They needed to choose routes very carefully and warn people of their plans.Meanwhile, HM Coastguard, which helps coordinate mountain rescues, urged climbers and walkers to take great care in the Scottish Highlands during the adverse weather after a spate of incidents in recent weeks. They needed to choose routes very carefully and warn people of their plans.
In a blog on its website, the Coastguard’s Superintendent Colin Gough said:In a blog on its website, the Coastguard’s Superintendent Colin Gough said:
Our mountains should not be underestimated as they can be unforgiving for even the most experienced. Severe weather conditions forecast in the coming days could change your environment within minutes and navigation could become difficult. White-out snow conditions could also make paths and tracks dangerously impassable.Our mountains should not be underestimated as they can be unforgiving for even the most experienced. Severe weather conditions forecast in the coming days could change your environment within minutes and navigation could become difficult. White-out snow conditions could also make paths and tracks dangerously impassable.
1.08pm GMT1.08pm GMT
13:0813:08
Nazia ParveenNazia Parveen
A motorist avoided a serious collision after a 50ft falling tree missed his car by inches in a winter blizzard, reports MEN Media.A motorist avoided a serious collision after a 50ft falling tree missed his car by inches in a winter blizzard, reports MEN Media.
Kevin Phoenix was driving along Marsland Road in Sale when the tree came crashing down in strong winds and sleet just after he passed.Kevin Phoenix was driving along Marsland Road in Sale when the tree came crashing down in strong winds and sleet just after he passed.
The fallen tree, thought to weigh several tonnes, appears to have damaged a brick wall on its way down, but only just missed a row of houses.The fallen tree, thought to weigh several tonnes, appears to have damaged a brick wall on its way down, but only just missed a row of houses.
Father-of-four Phoenix, 48, from Brooklands, Sale, said after the drama on Friday morning:Father-of-four Phoenix, 48, from Brooklands, Sale, said after the drama on Friday morning:
Who said Friday the 13th is unlucky? It hasn’t been for me and the people in the houses. Thank God I put my lucky socks on that I got off my children for Christmas. It’s unbelievable that no one was hurt and no cars or homes were damaged.Who said Friday the 13th is unlucky? It hasn’t been for me and the people in the houses. Thank God I put my lucky socks on that I got off my children for Christmas. It’s unbelievable that no one was hurt and no cars or homes were damaged.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.24pm GMTat 1.24pm GMT
1.06pm GMT1.06pm GMT
13:0613:06
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
British Red Cross volunteers in Essex are supporting around 60 people evacuated from their homes in Jaywick.British Red Cross volunteers in Essex are supporting around 60 people evacuated from their homes in Jaywick.
The charity has five volunteers at Tendring Education Centre in Clacton. It is also providing support in Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire.The charity has five volunteers at Tendring Education Centre in Clacton. It is also providing support in Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire.
The rest centre was opened by Tendring district council and the Red Cross is working as part of a multi-agency response.The rest centre was opened by Tendring district council and the Red Cross is working as part of a multi-agency response.
Merle Johnson, from Colchester, has been a Red Cross volunteer for four years. He is the team leader at the rest centre, where she says there are around 60 people at the moment.Merle Johnson, from Colchester, has been a Red Cross volunteer for four years. He is the team leader at the rest centre, where she says there are around 60 people at the moment.
We arrived at 7am to find that there were mainly older people here. Some had stayed overnight, some had come in at 8am this morning.We arrived at 7am to find that there were mainly older people here. Some had stayed overnight, some had come in at 8am this morning.
There was a lot of support from different parts of the community, including the council, social workers, and people who work with the elderly.There was a lot of support from different parts of the community, including the council, social workers, and people who work with the elderly.
We’ve been going around and checking what people’s needs are and sometimes just sitting with them and having conversations about their concerns and giving support and encouragement.We’ve been going around and checking what people’s needs are and sometimes just sitting with them and having conversations about their concerns and giving support and encouragement.
Mainly we’re supporting older people so teas and coffees and toast are the order of the day. It’s a very calm environment and we’re pleased to be able to offer people some comfort.Mainly we’re supporting older people so teas and coffees and toast are the order of the day. It’s a very calm environment and we’re pleased to be able to offer people some comfort.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.25pm GMTat 1.25pm GMT
1.03pm GMT1.03pm GMT
13:0313:03
The number of severe flood warnings issued by Environment Agency has risen again and now stands at 14.The number of severe flood warnings issued by Environment Agency has risen again and now stands at 14.
There are currently 14 severe flood warnings – meaning danger to life – 89 warnings and 63 alerts in force in England and Wales.There are currently 14 severe flood warnings – meaning danger to life – 89 warnings and 63 alerts in force in England and Wales.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.25pm GMTat 1.25pm GMT