Storm Eunice school closures: Where hundreds of schools are closed in England and Wales today as storm hits UK
Hundreds of schools across England and Wales are closed today as Storm Eunice brings winds of up to 100mph
Hundreds of schools across England and Wales are closed today as Storm Eunice brings winds of up to 100mph.
Two rare red weather warnings are in place, one covering the South West and Wales and another covering London and the South East.
Most of the rest of the country is under an orange or yellow weather warning in what is expected to be one of the worst storms in decades.
The Met Office says there is a “danger to life” from flying debris as a result of the “extremely strong” winds and people are being urged not to travel, if possible.
And many local authorities have decided to close schools as a precaution with some lessons being taught remotely as happened during the pandemic.
Some schools are currently closed for half-term but for others the break was not due to start til next week.
In Devon, where tidal surges could bring waves up to 22ft high, more than 260 schools had confirmed they would be staying closed on Friday morning. It is a similar story in Cornwall where at least 150 schools are closed.
All schools are also closed in Somerset and Bristol as well as libraries, museums and markets.
In Wales, Cardiff, Ceredigion, Bridgend County, Swansea, Powys and Rhondda Cynon Taf councils have closed all schools, while some in Newport are also shut.
Rob Stewart, leader of City and County of Swansea Council, has warned that Storm Eunice poses a “really dangerous situation” as schools in the area close for 36,000 pupils.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Stewart said the decision to have pupils attend lessons remotely and for civic buildings like libraries and community centres to close was made on Thursday as the area prepared for the extreme weather conditions.
He said: “I mean it is, unfortunately, a combination that we are dealing with of heavy rain over the last few days which has swelled the rivers, we’ve got high tides at the moment and, of course, this very, very rare red-rated storm so we’re as prepared as we can be but it is looking very dangerous for the next few hours.”
He added: “We’ve given safety messages and, again, I would repeat those. If people are choosing to venture out today, stay away from our coastal lines, stay away from our rivers, do not put yourself in danger, stay at home if you can and work from home if you can so, you know, this is a really dangerous situation.”