Storm Ciara hit Harrow today and it threatens to be one of the worst of the century according to the Met Office.
Heavy rain and winds of almost 100mph hitting Britain with weather warnings issued across the country. Harrow had its own share of chaos today as trees blown down, a crane partially collapsed and travel issues have effected the entire borough.
Trains were cancelled from Rayners Lane train station this morning due to a collapsed tree in Eastcote. At the time the Official Metropolitan Line twitter account tweeted: “We’ve currently got no service: Harrow on the Hill to Uxbridge and severe delays to the rest of the line. This is due to an obstruction on the track earlier in the Hillingdon area.” Trains are now running again with severe delays.
Central Harrow has seen a tree blown over on St James Road, off Gayton Road near the library. The tree can be seen stretched out across the road due to the winds which will continue into the night.
Earlier this morning, a crane partially collapsed next to Stanmore Train Station on Merrion Avenue. The road still remains closed. Harrow Council posted:
“Merrion Avenue in Stanmore is closed both ways as a precaution until further notice. This is because of a partially collapsed crane caused by today’s strong winds. Please be careful out there as strong winds continue through the day.”
A tree also blew over in Wood Lane, Stanmore near a car park. Members of Harrow Online commented saying: “a good day to stay inside and keep warm!”. We agree.
Scaffolding also came down outside a pizza shop in Hendon today in front of shocked onlookers. No reported injuries have been sustained thankfully.
Helen Roberts, a meteorologist with the Met Office, said: “In terms of area this is probably the biggest storm this century. I have not seen amber warnings on this scale, across all of Wales and much of England. The yellow wind warnings cover the whole of the UK. This could end up being the biggest storm since 1987.”
