STORM CIARA UPDATE: Sails of landmark Burgh le Marsh windmill ripped away by gale

Residents were evacuated just minutes before the sails of Dobson's Mill in Burgh le Marsh were ripped away by gale force winds as Storm Ciara ravaged the coast.
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"I was just driving into Burgh and saw it go. The top has completely blown off," described local resident John Caborn, devastated at the loss of such an iconic part of the village's landscape. "The sails and half of the top went first, then the rest went.

"I believe a lot of it landed on the museum and damaged the roof of the tearooms. You could see one of the sails sticking out of the roof

"I feel very sad. It's such a loss to the village."

Dobson's Mill in Burgh le Marsh has now lost its sails in Storm Ciara.Dobson's Mill in Burgh le Marsh has now lost its sails in Storm Ciara.
Dobson's Mill in Burgh le Marsh has now lost its sails in Storm Ciara.
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Mick Smith lives near Dobson's Mill and told us just minutes before: "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."

The High Street was closed to traffic but is now open again.

This picture was sent to us by Sheila Corbett who commented 'so sad'.This picture was sent to us by Sheila Corbett who commented 'so sad'.
This picture was sent to us by Sheila Corbett who commented 'so sad'.

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

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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."

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 open to cars only but walkways are closed.

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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:

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:

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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.