Fire crews descend on Chester’s historic Rows after Storm Debi …

Fire crews have been called out to Chester's historic Rows today after damage caused by Storm Debi. A number of fascia boards on the Rows on Bridge Street came loose due to the high winds as Storm Debi moves across the country, prompting a 'danger to life' warning from the Met Office.

The fascia boards have blown off and landed on the street. The incident comes as the Met Office has issued warning of the dangers posed by flying debris as the storm rips through much of the country today.

Fire crews on scene cordoned off the area affected as they worked to make it safe for shoppers and visitors to Chester[1]. An aerial ladder platform and supporting fire engine from Chester were called out to the incident.

READ: Met Office issues 'danger to life' warning as Storm Debi poised to batter Cheshire[2] 50mph gales could shut roads, with fears of 'flying debris' across the county

READ: Man airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by car on A55 in Chester[3] The 42-year-old man was airlifted to Aintree Hospital with serious injuries

A spokesperson for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters attended to prevent injury to the public from falling debris caused by high winds. They used an aerial ladder platform to safely remove loose fascia boards from a building in Bridge Street, Chester."

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning, with Storm Debi making her presence known in Cheshire and across the north of England. Forecasters warned of wind speeds reaching up to 50mph between 4am and 6pm today (November 13).

Fire crews in attendance after Storm Debi caused damage to fascia boards on the Rows on Bridge Street

And Met Office chiefs fear there may be a 'danger to life from flying debris'. Paul Crofts, who works in the city centre, was passing by when the incident unfolded.

He told CheshireLive: "It looks like the wind has brought down some fascia from the Rows. There was a piece of fascia on the floor. Fire crews are currently in attendance making it safe."

Some of the fascia boards blown off the Rows on Bridge Street due to Storm Debi today Some of the fascia boards blown off the Rows on Bridge Street due to Storm Debi today

Warning of the dangers posed by Storm Debi, a Met Office spokesperson said: "(This is) what to expect: injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible; some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen; road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible; some roads and bridges may close; power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties."

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References

  1. ^ Chester (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
  2. ^ Met Office issues 'danger to life' warning as Storm Debi poised to batter Cheshire (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
  3. ^ Man airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by car on A55 in Chester (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
  4. ^ Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)

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