Flood alerts in place for Morecambe Bay area as Storm Eunice batters UK

Friday, 18 February 2022 10:28

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Flood alerts are in place for the Morecambe Bay area as Storm Eunice batters the country with heavy rain and high winds.

The Environment Agency has issued flood alerts for the coast from Heysham to Cockerham, the Lune estuary south west of Lancaster, and south Morecambe Bay.

They are due to come into effect at lunchtime today (Friday February 18).

High tides and large waves are forecast, with areas most at risk as follows:

Sandylands, Middleton, Sunderland, Bank Houses, Hillam, Sand Side, Cockerham Moss, Aldcliffe Marsh, Heaton Marsh, Marsh, Greyhound Bridge, Skerton Bridge, Newton, Overton, Middleton, Glasson, Thurnham Moss, South Morecambe Bay.

The Environment Agency said impacts are possible two hours before and after 12.30pm (for Heysham to Cockerham, and the Lune Estuary south of Lancaster) and 1pm (south Morecambe Bay)

A spokesperson said: "Our incident rooms are open and we are closely monitoring the situation.

"We will re-issue alerts/warnings if necessary and our incident response staff are closing flood gates and checking defences.

"Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.

"Plan driving routes to coastal roads, which may be flooded.

"We do not expect to see similar impacts for tomorrow's high tides, 19/02/2022. We are, however, expecting higher than normal tides at midday on Sunday, 20/02/2022, and as a result we may issue further alerts/warnings."

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for wind and snow for parts of northern England, which are currently in place until 6pm on Friday. A yellow warning means the weather could bring low-to-severe impacts, including some disruption to travel.

High winds are expected in the Lancaster and Morecambe district on Friday afternoon.