The Burnham-On-Sea area experienced high winds from Storm Darragh on Saturday (December 7th), leaving behind a trail of damage.
Winds gusting up to 75mph were seen in the Burnham area, with a rare red weather warning for wind issued by the Met Office.
Oxford Street: A large tree was blown down alongside Oxford Street, damaging the Priory Gardens building next to it. “The occupants inside were evacuated as a precaution, but everyone was fine,” said a spokesman.
Rectory Road was completely blocked after one of the large trees came down across it, pictured below.
Solar panels were blown down from the top of the Ritz Social Club in Victoria Street, leaving debris strewn along the street and a clean-up operation underway.
- Esso fuel station: A section of the forecourt at Burnham’s Esso fuel station was closed after panelling under the canopy became damaged by the high winds.
- Burnham Hospital: An area at the front of the hospital in Love Lane was taped off for safety reasons after roof tiles and gable ends came down in the storm.
- A fallen tree was blocking access to the business units at Premier Business Park in Huntspill Road, Highbridge, below.
- Fences down: Hundreds of fence panels and garden walls were damaged across the Burnham area by the storm.
- Power cut: A power cut started at 3.32am, leaving over 650 homes in the dark in northern and central parts of Burnham-On-Sea, Highbridge and Berrow. National Grid’s staff worked through the day to restore supplies.
- The Met Office had warned: “A period of extremely strong winds will develop during the early hours of Saturday morning as Storm Darragh moves across the Irish Sea. Gusts of 90 mph or more are possible over coasts and hills of west and south Wales, as well as funnelling through the Bristol Channel with some very large waves on exposed beaches. The strongest winds will begin to ease from late morning, though it will remain very windy with Amber wind warnings still in force until the evening.”
- The Environment Agency urged local people to keep well away from coastal paths, piers and proms due to expected high waves at high tide.
- Burnham-On-Sea Library: “Due to the area being on a Red Weather Warning, the library was closed on Saturday 7th December. Any loans that are due for return / renewal will be extended automatically by 7 days. If you wish to speak with a Customer Advisor please contact 0300 123 2224 or alternatively visit www.libraries.org.uk where you can access a whole host of library media.”
- Circus Funtasia: “Unfortunately due to high winds we are cancelling our shows on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Sanders Garden Centre in Brent Knoll. Contact the box office on 07706168507 for ticket transfers.”
- Burnham Community Centre postponed its coffee morning at the Community Centre on Saturday morning until December 14th due to the weather.
- Burnham Information Centre: The Information Centre was closed on Saturday 7th December.
- Burnham Swim Sports Academy and Brean Splash were closed on Saturday.
Contact Burnham-On-Sea.com with updates.
