Storm Darragh, rated as being a ‘danger to life’ in the West Country, has hit Wiltshire – causing disruption and damage. Scroll down for our live blog.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the county – but parts of Bristol and north Somerset face a rare red weather warning.
Wiltshire 999s is running this live blog to keep you abreast of the situation. Here’s we’ll provide you the latest local storm updates, including traffic and travel, floods and event cancellations.
Share photos and videos of storm-related incidents via WhatsApp or iMessage: 07794802940. You can also reach out on Facebook or X (formerly Twitter).
Live updates:
CLICK HERE to refresh the page, or check back later for the latest updates.
7 Dec – 7pm: Weather warning continues
The Met Office has extended the yellow weather warning for wind in the Wiltshire area until 6pm tomorrow.
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7 Dec – 6.30pm: A350 partially blocked
A fallen tree is causing an obstruction on A350 northbound between Chippenham and Junction 17. One lane is blocked, but it’s an obviously posing a hazard. Police en route
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7 Dec – 12.23pm: Stonehenge shut
Stonehenge is closed. A spokesperson said: “We’re sorry but Stonehenge will be closed today, Saturday 7th Dec, due to strong winds caused by Storm Darragh.
“We will automatically cancel any pre-booked tickets and provide refunds within 10 working days.”
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7 Dec – 12.22pm: Power cuts
Hundreds of homes are without power in Wiltshire at present. Affected areas include:
- SN8 – Lockeridge, Fyfield Manton, and West Overton area
- SN12 – Atworth area
- SP4 – Porton area
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7 Dec – 12.15pm: Train issues
Trains on the main line are not stopping at Chippenham station – instead terminating at Bath and Swindon. It’s not clear what the issue is, but there are rumours of station damage.
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7 Dec – 11.49am: Road closure
Longcot Road between Shrivenham and Longcot is closed due to a fallen tree, which has taken out power cables.
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7 Dec – 11.20am: A350 closure
A350 Warminster Road is closed in both directions at Chalford (Westbury) due to a fallen tree and downed telegraph/utility pole.
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7 Dec – 11.15am: Country park shut
Swindon Borough Council are closing Coate Water Country Park. The gates were moments ago closed by staff. It’s not clear if other country parks – like Stanton – are being closed too.
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7 Dec – 11.02am: Falling debris in Bath
Corn Street and St Jame’s Parade in Bath has been closed by police and the fire service due to falling debris. It’s believed a roof has become damaged and parts are falling to the ground.
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7 Dec – 11.01am: Tisbury road blocked by tree
The Avenue in Tisbury, which leads to Chilmark, is closed due to a fallen tree.
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7 Dec – 11am: B3092 blocked by tree
The B3092 between Mere and Maiden Bradley is blocked by a fallen tree near Stourhead. It has reportedly broken power lines in the fall – and it could be dangerous to approach it.
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7 Dec – 10.20am: Wiltshire Council update
The council wrote: “The Yellow warning of wind remains in place in Wiltshire.
“There are several trees down on our road network. Report here: https://orlo.uk/62OL5
“Many buses and trains aren’t running currently. This may change throughout the day – please check before you travel.
“All household recycling centres (HRCs) will not open until midday today.
“If you are heading out allow extra time for your journey and take care on the roads. Do not attempt to drive through any floodwater.”
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7 Dec – 9.15am: Roadworks mess
In Wharf Road, Wroughton, the temporary traffic lights and fencing around a roadworks site have been blown over and are strewn across the road.
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7 Dec – 9am: All Faresaver bus services suspended
A firm spokesperson said: “Given the large number of trees down affecting routes still we are taking the decision to suspend all services until further notice.
“With the forecast due to remain largely unchanged throughout the day it is possible that services will not operate today.
“Whilst we understand this will cause some inconvenience, we are mindful that if we start services only to cancel them later, we may leave people stranded without a way to get home.
“The safety of staff and passengers is paramount in these conditions and as the Police have advised, people should only travel if essential.”
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7 Dec – 8.15am: Railway station roof damaged
Westbury railway station is closed after the roof detached from the structure, and is flying about in the wind. It is unsafe for people to access the station. Trains aren’t running through the station because has blown onto the railway line.
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7 Dec – 8.01am: A4 closed
Wiltshire Police: “A4 between Box and Rudloe closed due to a large tree down, the road is closed from the A4 Rudloe Arms Hotel junction with Leafy Lane to Junction with Bargates in Box.”
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6 Dec – 3.36pm: Bath Christmas Market is to close
A spokesperson said: “We take the safety of the public, stall holders and our staff seriously with this in mind and the Met Office forecast of winds exceeding 60mph from Storm Darragh we have taken the decision not to open Bath Christmas Market tomorrow, Saturday 7th December.
“We are sorry for any inconvenience this causes but safety as to be our first priority – we look forward to seeing everyone back when we reopen.
“We hope to be back on Sunday 8th at 10am ready for another day of trading.”
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6 Dec – 3.08pm: Family event cancelled
Maddy’s Farm at Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock has been cancelled due to adverse weather warnings. The event won’t be held again until Spring 2025.
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6 Dec – 2pm: Wiltshire Council warning
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Council said: “There is currently a Yellow warning of wind in Wiltshire in place from 3pm today through till 6am on Sunday, though this may change.
“Please take care if you’re heading out this weekend and be aware that there are Red and Amber warnings of wind in place in nearby parts of the country.
“Allow extra times for your journeys and take extra care on the roads. You may also wish to tie down loose items in your gardens such as trampolines or Christmas decorations.”
Report trees down or branches on the roads here: https://orlo.uk/8bxbI.
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6 Dec – 1pm: Met Office update
A yellow wind warning, affecting all of Wiltshire, has been issued. Bristol is affected by an amber warning, while other parts of the West Country have a red warning.
A spokesperson said: “Strong winds associated with Storm Darragh likely leading to some disruption and damage.
“There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs;
“It is likely that some roads and bridges could close, with impacts from falling trees;
“There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage;
“There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties;
“There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris;
“There is likely to be longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected.”
