Storm Boelo batters York - as it happened

Major York attractions have closed and roads in North Yorkshire are blocked as Storm Boelo hits the county bringing gusts of up to 60mph.

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Storm Boelo has brought disruption across York and North Yorkshire as it batters the area with 60mph gusts.
Attractions have been forced to close due to the extreme weather which has resulted in a yellow warning for wind being issued until 9pm tonight (October 25).
More than 300 homes in the Strensall area, as well as homes in Osbaldwick, Derwenthorpe and Dunnington have been left without power due to the storm.
Strong winds overnight also saw a tree topple onto a car and land on the front windows of Astor Hostels in Holgate Road.
Want to get in touch with us? Email dylan.connell@newsquest.co.uk or phone 01904 567131.

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That concludes our live coverage for today - thanks for joining us.

Take care if you're out and about tonight.

RECAP: Storm Boelo brings disruption to York and North Yorkshire

If you're just joining us, here's what's been happening today:

Storm Boelo brought disruption across York and North Yorkshire as it swept into the area with 60mph gusts.
Thousands of people across the county were hit by power cuts due to the extreme weather which resulted in a yellow warning for wind being issued until 9pm tonight.
More than 300 homes in the Strensall area, as well as homes in Osbaldwick, Derwenthorpe and Dunnington, were left without power during the storm on Sunday. There were further outages in the Sheriff Hutton area, in the North York Moors and on the North Yorkshire coast.
Strong winds overnight into Sunday saw a tree topple onto four cars and land on the front windows of Astor Hostels in Holgate Road.
There were no injuries after the tree fell on the cars which were parked outside the hostel.

Read the full report here.

The fallen tree outside Astor Hostels in Holgate Road, York, on Sunday (October 25) (Image: Tony Castle)

Busy day for fire service

It's been a busy day for the fire service today.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service says its crews were called to a fallen tree on the A170 at 6.40am to help clear a tree from the road.

Forty minutes later, another crew was called to a fallen tree in Hamilton Drive, York, that brought down telephone cables. "Advice was given to occupier and no action was taken by fire service," a fire service spokesperson says.

Shortly after 7.30am, a fire service says a crew was called to a shed roof "hanging dangerously" in the Boulevard, Eastfield near Scarborough.

"Crews lifted off the roof using crew power. Advice was given to occupier," the spokespersons says.

Shortly before 9.10am, crews secured a sign in Vangarde Way, York, which had been damaged by the wind and was at risk of falling onto the road.

Twenty minutes later, two crews were called to a barbecue that caught fire after blowning over in Prospect Terrace, Newton-on-Ouse.

"On arrival the crew righted the BBQ and isolated the gas supply and no further action was required," the fire service spokesperson says.

Shortly before 2.40pm, crews were called to Fairfax Street in Bishophill, York, where a chimney stack had collapsed and fallen into the road.

"Crews used a roof ladder to remove loose debris and left in hands of responsible person on scene," the fire service spokesperson says.

And shortly after 4.42pm, the fire service says a crew was called to an "unsafe" tree overhanging a footpath in Moor Lane, Strensall.

The fire service spokesperson says the crew investigated the scene and found it was a "false alarm" with "good intent".

'What a day,' says tree surgeon

Tony Castle, of Castle Tree Surgeons, helped remove the fallen tree from Astor Hostels in Holgate Road earlier today.

In a post on social media, he says Castle Tree Surgeons were called to the hostel at 5.45am.

Half of the tree collapsed onto the building and four cars, he says, and the rest of the tree was "getting blown around like a rag doll and far too dangerous to climb and make safe".

He says police helped evacuate nearby properties and close the road.

Tony says the tree was made safe after five hours and he estimated the cost of the damage to be "somewhere in the region of £70,000".

"Best of all the tree was apparently inspected last Monday and deemed safe," he adds. "It was absolutely rotten and an accident waiting to happen."

The fallen tree at Astor Hostels in Holgate Road, York, on Sunday (October 25) (Image: Newsquest)

What to do if you've lost power

If you've had a power cut, Northern Powergrid says to report and track it online at www.northernpowergrid.com/power-cuts

If you can't get online, call 105, the free national power cut reporting number.

Northern Powergrid says people without power should use battery-powered or wind-up torches instead of candles.

They should keep fridges and freezers closed for as long as possible.

People should also leave one light switched on so they know when power has been restored.

And, if it's safe to do so, people should check on neighbours, friends and relatives, Northern Powergrid says.

If you see damaged power equipment, Northern Powergrid says to "stay well clear and call 105".

Northern Powergrid 'working to restore power as safely and quickly as conditions allow'

Here's what Northern Powergrid says it's doing to restore power:

"Teams are responding to incidents and making repairs where it is safe to do so.
"Resources and equipment are being deployed to support restoration efforts in the worst affected areas.
"Network operations teams are monitoring conditions and managing incidents as they develop.
"We have deployed welfare support arrangements across the regions, and will be doing more on Monday.
"Our customer support vehicles have been deployed and welfare support arrangements are being coordinated to support customers who need help the most.
"We are communicating the details of those facilities locally through social media, email and text messages."

Northern Powergrid says 42,000 customers still without power

Northern Powergrid says 42,000 of its customers still remain without power due to Storm Boelo.

The company says the storm affected more than 93,000 of its customers, and power has been restored to almost 51,000 of them.

A Northern Powergrid spokesperson says the strong winds and heavy rain have caused damage to the electricity network.

And they say it is likely some customers will still be left without power due to the storm continuing into the night.

"Our teams are working to assess the damage and restore supplies wherever it is safe to do so," they say.

"However, the severe weather continues to affect both our ability to assess the network and carry out repairs safely.

"While we work to assess the extent of the impact to our network, we are not providing estimated restoration times.

"As the wind speeds subside later today, we will be able to begin restoring customers.

"However, given the amount of work that there is to do and the fact the wind will continue into the evening, some customers will remain without power beyond tonight.

They add: "We advise those customers for whom being without power tonight is a significant problem to err on the side of caution and consider seeking alternative accommodation."

Trees down in York park - in pictures

These photographs show the damage in Rowntree Park due to Storm Boelo.

Friends of Rowntree Park, which manages the park, says: "We will make sure they are reported via the council and continue to push for a plan for dealing with tree health/replanting as we have lost a number in recent years due to age, health and weather."

Fallen tree in Rowntree Park, York, due to Storm Boelo (Image: Supplied)

Damage from Storm Boelo in Rowntree Park, York (Image: Supplied)

More roads closed due to storm

Holgate Road may have reopened, but more roads are still closed across York due to the storm.

City of York Council says a fallen tree outside Strensall Barracks has temporarily closed Strensall Road to vehicles. Diversions are in place via Towthorpe Moor Lane.

Church Lane at Bishopthorpe Road is also temporarily closed, it says.

"Please avoid these areas while work is completed. Businesses are open as usual," a council spokesperson says.

We've also had reports of fallen trees in Kingsway North, Clifton, and at a bus stop near the Tower Court Health Centre, in Clifton Moor.

Holgate Road reopens

Holgate Road has now reopened after emergency services worked to remove a tree that had fallen on a car parked outside Astor Hostels.

Firefighters have now left the area.

Holgate Road back open on Sunday afternoon (October 25) (Image: Supplied)

Tree blocks road in Bishopthorpe

A tree has blocked the road in St Andrews churchyard in Bishopthorpe.

It has fallen at the junction of Bishopthorpe Road and Church Lane blocking all traffic.

Jack Watson says a couple who live nearby have been directing traffic at 12.30pm and the tree has been reported to police.

A fallen tree near St Andrews churchyard in Bishopthorpe on Sunday (Image: Jack Watson)

Wildlife park shuts due to storm

Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park is the latest victim of Storm Boelo.

The park says it will be closed today due to safety reason.

But a spokesperson says the park will reopen tomorrow to "really let the Halloween celebrations begin".

The park has also shared a great image of a meerkat not looking one bit bothered by the storm as the animal tucks into a pumpkin.

Flooding expected in York as River Ouse continues to rise

Flooding is expected in York as the River Ouse continues to rise following heavy rainfall.

The Environment Agency says the river is due to pass the top of its normal 1.9m range on the Viking Recorder by around 5pm today.

The Ouse is expected to peak at almost 2.3m at 7am tomorrow, then start to fall.

It means riverside areas near the Ouse are likely to be flooded early tomorrow morning.

The River Ouse in York on Sunday as river levels rise following heavy rainfall (Image: Dylan Connell)

Trees fall at Rowntree Park

Storm Boelo has brought down two trees at Rowntree Park.

Watch: Emergency services on scene in Holgate Road

Holgate Road closed as fallen tree removed - in pictures

These photographs show the emergency services working to remove the fallen tree at Astor Hostels in Holgate Road this afternoon.

The road is closed with motorists being diverted along Wilton Rise.

Two fire engines and tree surgeons are working to clear the tree.

A spokesperson for Astor Hostels told The Press earlier there are no injuries after the tree fell and the hostel remains open. Emergency services work to remove a fallen tree at Astor Hostels in Holgate Road, York, on Sunday (Image: Newsquest)

Holgate Road closed on Sunday as a tree is removed from a car at Astor Hostels (Image: Newsquest)

Storm shuts York Golf Club

York Golf Club has announced it too is closed today due to Storm Boelo.

In an email to members, the club says it is closed due to "high gusting winds".

The driving range is also closed from 3pm-4.30pm, it says.

Disruption at Leeds Bradford Airport due to Storm Boelo

Leeds Bradford Airport is facing disruption due to Storm Boelo.

The airport says the disruption is affecting arriving and departing flights.

"Our teams on the ground are working hard in challenging weather conditions to support customers and manage the impact of the disruption," an airport spokesperson says.

They shared the following advice:

Departures: If you are due to fly today, please check the status of your flight directly with your airline before travelling to the airport.
Arrivals: If you are due to arrive at LBA today, please check with your airline for the latest information on your flight and any revised arrangements. If you are parked with us and your return flight is delayed, you do not need to contact us. No additional parking charges will apply as a result of the disruption.

Leeds Bradford Airport (Image: Supplied)

Theme park shuts due to storm

A theme park in North Yorkshire has announced it will close today due to the storm.

The Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park in Ripon says it will close today for safety reasons.

"We apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding," a spokesperson for the theme park says.

"For guests with tickets booked for today - if you contact our Guest Services department at hello@lightwatervalley.co.uk they will be able to help you.

"Stay safe, everyone, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Lightwater Valley soon!"

Meanwhile, Flamingo Land, near Malton, says it has closed its zoo today due to the storm.

Flamingo Land remains open but says the forecast high wind means "there may be disruption to the operation of our rides".

"While this weather is entirely beyond our control, we want to ensure that all our guests receive the best experience you deserve rather than battling the elements," a Flamingo Land spokesperson says.

"What this means for you. If you wish to reschedule your visit for another day up until Saturday 31st October please contact our customer services team at customerservices@flamingoland.co.uk with your preferred date of visit and we will issue replacement tickets.

"Thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation as we prioritise keeping everyone including our animals safe."

Several fallen branches near York Racecourse

Take care if you're walking around York Racecourse today - we've had reports of several fallen tree branches in the area due to the wind.

Fallen tree branch at York Racecourse during Storm Boelo (Image: Newsquest)

Take extra care, say police

North Yorkshire Police is urging people travelling in the county today to "extra care".

The force has shared the following advice:

Coastal safety and tide warnings - If you're visiting the coast, particularly with children, please pay close attention to tide times and local safety advice. Parents and carers are urged to keep children well away from cliff edges, sea walls and areas that could be cut off by incoming tides and overtopping waves.
Power outages - Some areas are experiencing power cuts. For the latest information and updates, please visit the Northern Powergrid website.
Travel and road closures – Before setting off, check the latest travel alerts, road conditions and closures through National Highways and your local authority channels.
Do not drive through flood water - Flood water is often deeper and faster-moving than it appears. Never attempt to drive through flooded roads and always obey road closure signs.
Fallen trees and debris - We have received some reports of fallen trees overnight. Thankfully, there have been no reports of any serious injuries. However, fallen branches and other debris may still be present, so please remain vigilant and take extra care when travelling or walking outdoors.
Rural walks and higher ground - If you're planning to go walking today, particularly in rural areas or on higher ground, please take extra care. Mountain rescue teams are advising people to avoid exposed high ground. Adverse conditions increase the risk of incidents and can place additional pressure on emergency services responding across the county.
Plan ahead - If you're intending to visit an event, attraction or other destination today, please check that it is open and operating as normal before you leave home.

Thor’s Tipi open from 5pm - despite Museum Gardens closure

Thor's Tipi in Museum Gardens will open at 5pm today - despite the gardens being closed.

York Museums Trust, which runs the gardens, says: "Although the Yorkshire Museum and York Museum Gardens remain closed today due to the forecast high winds, access to Thor’s Tipi is possible and the team will be ready to welcome you from 5pm

"Come along, get cosy and enjoy a festive drink by the fire!

"Please take care when travelling and follow any local safety advice."

Stormy weather in York city centre - in pictures

Museum Gardens closed on Sunday (October 25) due to Storm Boelo (Image: Newsquest)

Bins blown over in Lendal on Sunday during Storm Boelo (Image: Newsquest)

The rising River Ouse on Sunday (October 25) during Storm Boelo (Image: Newsquest)

Plastic sheeting covering York Minster's Rose Window blows in the wind during Storm Boelo (Image: Supplied)

Holgate Road shut as tree is removed

We've received reports that Holgate Road has shut as crews remove the fallen tree from Astor Hostels (see our earlier story here).

A fire crew is on the scene outside the hostel as crews work to remove the tree which had come to rest against the hostel.

The fallen tree at Astor Hostels in Holgate Road, York, on Sunday (October 25) (Image: Newsquest)

Cars damaged after wind blows stones off wall on coast

Cars have been left damaged after strong gusts overnight blew stones off a wall near Whitby Abbey.

The Black Horse pub in Whitby has shared these photographs showing the damage.

"Hopefully people have stayed safe last night during the extremely high winds. These cars have unfortunately been victim where part of the church yard wall has blown down," the post says.

"Take care, stay away from the coastal path, and safe travels if you’re heading home as many smaller roads have been affected by falling trees."

Power cuts hit hundreds of homes

Hundreds of homes have been left without power as Storm Boelo continues to batter York.

More than 300 customers are without power in the Strensall area this morning.

Homes have also been left without power in the Osbaldwick, Derwenthorpe and Dunnington areas.

There are further outages in the Sheriff Hutton area, as well as in the North York Moors and on the North Yorkshire coast.

Northern Powergrid says its teams are working to restore power “as quickly as we can”.

'Please consider if your journey today is essential'

That's the message from North Yorkshire Council today.

The council is urging people to only travel is essential due to the expected disruption brought by Storm Boelo.

Strong gusts saw skip fire spread to caravan

Strong gusts brought by Storm Boelo resulted in a skip fire spreading to a caravan in North Yorkshire.

Five fire crews were called to the scene in Sherburn, east of Malton, at about 6pm yesterday.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service says there were concerns the blaze would spread to a nearby property due to the strong wind.

Main road blocked by tree

A fallen tree has blocked a main road in North Yorkshire.

The A169 is shut between Malton and Pickering this morning.

Tree falls on car at York hostel

A tree has fallen on a car at a York hostel as Storm Boelo hits the city with gusts of up to 55mph expected.

There are no injuries after the tree fell on the car at Astor Hostels in Holgate Road overnight.

Tree surgeons were on site at 7.30am today removing the tree which had come to rest against the hostel.

North Yorkshire attractions closed today

Elsewhere, Storm Boelo has forced attractions across North Yorkshire to close.

Castle Howard, near Malton, is shut today due to the storm.

The stately home's full site is closed, including its gardens, a spokesperson says.

Castle Howard which is shut on Sunday due to Storm Boelo

Forbidden Corner in Leyburn is also closed today due to the forecast winds of up to 60mph.

A spokesperson for the mostly outdoor attraction, which features a maze of tunnels, chambers, follies and more in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, says it is closed for safety reasons.

"We apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience, but we want to make sure your visit is memorable for the right reasons, not because you blew away," they say.

"Stay safe, keep dry, and we'll see you back in the labyrinth once the winds die down."

York attractions close due to storm

Some of York's major attractions have closed today due to Storm Boelo.

Clifford's Tower, Museum Gardens and the Yorkshire Museum are all shut due to the forecast high wind.

English Heritage, which operates Clifford's Tower, says anyone with prebooked tickets will be automatically refunded.

"We apologise for any inconvenience and hope to see you soon," they say.

York Museums Trust, which runs Yorkshire Museum, also says visitors with prebooked tickets will be contacted.

Yorkshire Museum which is shut due to Storm Boello

(Image: YMT)

Welcome

Welcome to our live blog.

You join us as Storm Boelo hits York and North Yorkshire.

The storm is expected to bring gusts of up to 60mph with a yellow warning for wind in place from the Met Office until 9pm tonight.

Stay tuned for live updates.