
Winds of up to 80mph are battering the Lancaster and Morecambe Bay area from Storm Eowyn.
The storm has brought record wind gusts of 114mph in Ireland on Friday morning - as rare red weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office in parts of the UK, meaning a danger to life.
An amber weather warning is in place for the North West, meaning very strong winds and widespread disruption on Friday.
The Met Office says winds are due to start to ease in our region, this afternoon.
In Lancaster, a fallen tree closed Torrisholme Road from the junction with Owen Road, near Ryelands Park on Friday morning.
A Lancaster Police spokesperson said: "We anticipate that the road will be closed for a short amount of time, whilst we clear the road.
"In the meantime, we’d recommend looking for an alternative route and driving carefully, leaving plenty of extra time to get to your destination.
"We’ll keep tabs on what’s happening and we’ll update you here once the road is open. As always, thank you for your patience and stay safe if you’re out and about today."
The tree team from Lancaster City Council was at the scene to deal with the incident. The road was cleared and open again before noon.
There was also fallen tree blocking the road at Willow Lane roundabout, Lancaster on Friday morning. Photo credit: Denise Cooper.
A tree was also down at the bottom of Balmoral Road in Lancaster, blocking the road by the Cathedral Social Centre.
The number 18 East City Circular bus was being re-routed up Quernmore Road.
Emergency services were also called to Eastgate, on the White Lund Industrial Estate in Morecambe, on Friday morning, to reports of an issue with a roof in the high winds.
A bin shed roof was also blown off on Mainway in Skerton.
On Friday afternoon, Heysham Primary Care Centre was closed due to damage from the storm.
There were also traffic delays on the M6 northbound from Junction 33 (Lancaster South) to Junction 34 (Lancaster) on Friday from around 11.15am due to an obstruction on the road.
Avanti West Coast, Northern and TransPennine Express trains were cancelled on Friday due to the gales.
This affects trains running to, from and through Lancaster on the West Coast Main Line, with no services running north of Preston.
Trains on the Lancaster-Morecambe route have also been cancelled.
Williamson Park cafe and all other facilities are closed on Friday and people are advised not to visit the park. Happy Mount Park was also closed on Friday.
The Lancaster Park Run has also been cancelled on Saturday.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has issued advice for residents.
"Secure outdoor items such as furniture, bins, and decorations – these can become dangerous in high winds, potentially breaking windows or blocking roads.
"Drive with caution – watch for debris, slow down, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
"Allow extra time for your journey, and avoid rushing.
"Never drive through floodwater – the risk isn’t worth it.
"Be extra cautious on exposed roads, especially near the coast or on hilltops where conditions can be more severe.
"If the weather worsens, stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary."
Chris Cousens, Regional Water Safety Lead for the North West RNLI, said: "Storm Éowyn is set to bring potentially dangerous and uncertain conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant.
"If you plan to visit the coast, the RNLI advises that you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life.
"If you find yourself in trouble unexpectedly in the water, remember to Float to Live; lie back in the water, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing.
"If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you could end up in difficulty too.’
"The RNLI's safety advice is:
"Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges
"Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
"Take a phone with you
"In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard."