RHS Wisley to close amid Storm Ciar?n ‘danger to life’ warning
RHS Wisley will close on Thursday (November 2) due to strong winds forecast from Storm Ciarán. The Met Office has issued a “danger to life” warning with 60mph gusts expected.
The forecaster said winds are likely to frequently gust 50-60 mph inland, reaching 70 mph in a few exposed locations. There is currently a yellow weather warning in place across Surrey for Thursday.
The Royal Horticultural Society said its gardens at Wisley[1] would be shut to protect visitors, staff and volunteers. It said it hopes to reopen on Friday and apologised to those planning a visit.
Anyone with a ticket for Thursday will be able to obtain a refund. Tickets can also be used over the next three months for the attraction close to the A3 and M25[4] junction 10.
A spokesperson for the RHS said: “The weather forecast for tomorrow predicts high damaging winds. For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, the gardens will sadly have to close. Fortunately the weather forecasts are better for Friday, November 3 and we expect them to re-open for everyone to enjoy.
“Anyone who had booked a ticket for tomorrow is welcome to use it over the next three months, or refunds are available by contacting RHS Wisley. Our apologies for any inconvenience.”
The warnings over disruption from Storm Ciaran have been likened to the great storm that hit the UK in 1987, which saw millions of trees flattened across the country and winds peaking at more than 120mph. The Surrey Advertiser reported that it caused “almost indescribable” damage to the RHS Gardens at Wisley.
Wisley Director Philip MacMillan Browse said at the time: “It is catastrophic – the trees went down like nine-pins in the woodland garden.”
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References
- ^ gardens at Wisley (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ Met Office warns of ‘danger to life’ from flying debris as Storm Ciarán brings 60mph winds (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ Train passengers told to work from home as Storm Ciaran causes rail disruption (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ M25 (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
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