The peak of Storm Éowyn has now passed, though we’re still in the midst of this rare, red weather alert. Winds are expected to be strong throughout the rest of the day, but calmer this evening, (Friday 24th January). It will still be very breezy tonight and through the weekend.
SO many messages and reports have been coming in of how the storm has affected the local area in and around Blantyre. The main problem, aside from power cuts, has been fallen trees. Not just branches but entire trees, especially conifers.
A tree at Shott near Greenhall and one at Bardykes has blocked major roads. A resident in the Salveson homes had to evacuate her house for the risk of a dangerous tree. Another tree fell on Station road blocking off the train station. 40 foot of a 60 foot tree at Kirkton park fell into a residents garden and numerous large trees falling in residents gardens all over Blantyre. At the Auchinraith roundabout a tree blocked the sliproad leading on to the East Kilbride Expressway. Trees at the bing across from Stonefield Road look like they’ve also been affected and many fallen trees are down at the sides of the EK Expressway.
Then there’s all the trees which will no doubt be down at the Calder and surrounding woodlands. It’s safe to say, it’s not good to be out walking or driving. Businesses who opened up, quickly realised they should be closing in the interests of safety. Some have closed due to damage like the Golden Sea Takeaway on Main Street after their ventilation equipment was ripped right off the wall.
There’s also been damage to property, greenhouses, sheds and loads of fencing.
Elsewhere the M&S Carpark in Hamilton has seen significant damage and retail parks in general have seen other damage. More significantly roofs were ripped off flats In East Kilbride which must have been terrible for all those staying there. Here’s some photos of Blantyre, Hamilton and East Kilbride.
If you need tradespeople, property, fencing repairs or clearance of trees, we’ve opened up advertising on Live Chat Group for all those services to help. Be safe and feel free to add your photos in the comments.
One thing is clear, this storm is going to be expensive for many people and it isn’t over yet!
