Storm Ciara update: Police evacuate properties near Burgh Windmill as concerns over speed of sails grow

Police are evacuating properties near Burgh Windmill as concerns grow regarding the speed of sails powered by Storm Ciara.
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Mick Smith lives opposite Dobson's Mill and said: "The police are now evacuating us. I called the police because the windmill sails are turning out of control.

"Some of the lats have been flying off - one flew over a house opposite and nearly landed in the road.

"Police and the fire service are monitoring the situation.

Police at the scene at Burgh Windmill over concerns regarding speed of sails during the storm.Police at the scene at Burgh Windmill over concerns regarding speed of sails during the storm.
Police at the scene at Burgh Windmill over concerns regarding speed of sails during the storm.
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The High Street and car park at Dobson's Mill and Windmill Restaurant are closed.

An Amber warning for gales and rain wind has been issued by the Met Office, with winds predicted to peak at lunchtime today (Sunday) around 62mph.

Skegness flood warden Malcolm Gabbitas in spite of no flood warnings, traders along the sea front have taken precautionary steps of boarding up their kiosks should the SW wind direction change at high tides.

"We should be OK so long as the wind direction doesn't change and at this time there are no indications it will," he said. "There may, however, be some over-topping at high tides and residents are advised to stay away."

Storm Ciara is already causing damage to properties in Skegness. Photo: Nikki LambStorm Ciara is already causing damage to properties in Skegness. Photo: Nikki Lamb
Storm Ciara is already causing damage to properties in Skegness. Photo: Nikki Lamb
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Although in other parts of the country there are disruptions on public transport, both Stagecoach East Midlands and East Midlands trains are running as normal, although people are being advised not to travel unless necessary.

The Humber Bridge is now closed to all vehicles.

RNLI Skegness have warned: "This weekend's weather is forecast to be pretty dismal. Please take extra care if you’re around the coast over the next couple of days."

Nikki Lamb took to social media to describe how the storm is ravaging Skegness. She said: "Really bad here. Fences down, trees down. Got woken up in the night and I'm keeping a close eye on the back fence. A day indoors today I think."

The weather prediction is:

Today:

Cloudy and very windy with widespread gales and outbreaks of rain. Rain will become persistent and heavy during the late morning, followed by squally showers during the afternoon. Maximum temperature 13 °C.

Tonight:

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Clear spells and few showers overnight, heavy at times. Winds easing a bit during the evening, but still rather breezy. Minimum temperature 3 °C.

Monday:

Sunny spells and scattered showers. These will be heavy at times, with a wintry mix of rain, hail and snow, settling on higher ground. Feeling cold with brisk winds. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:

Cold and windy Tuesday with sunny spells and scattered showers, wintry on higher ground. A few further showers Wednesday but less windy. Cloudy and breezy Thursday with outbreaks of rain.

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