Storm Eunice: Weather causes disruption across the East Midlands

The East Midlands has experienced disruption from strong winds as Storm Eunice hits the region.

The Met Office issued an amber warning for wind between 05:00 and 21:00 GMT on Friday with gusts reaching 80mph.

Rail passengers have been advised to change their travel plans due to a "skeleton rail service" and falling debris on tracks causing delays.

Several parks and attractions have also closed for the day and outdoor markets have been cancelled.

On Friday afternoon, Derbyshire Police said three people had been injured after an articulated lorry was blown over onto a car on the A6 near Buxton.

The two drivers and a passenger in the car sustained minor injuries and the road has been shut, the force added.

A police spokesperson said: "With the current issues being caused by the wind and rain, unless you really need to travel then simply don't head out.

"Drivers of high-sided vehicles are being asked to avoid exposed routes in the county - in particular across the Peak District."

Nottingham Forest's away game against Bournemouth on Friday evening has also been called off four hours before kick-off - and after many fans had already travelled.

East Midlands Railway asked passengers to complete their journeys on Thursday, Saturday or Sunday if possible as they said they would be running fewer trains due to the high winds.

The rail firm tweeted trains to and from London St Pancras had been suspended until the winds had eased.

At 11:00 GMT, Western Power Distribution (WPD) said about 700 homes in North West Leicestershire were without power due to a fault on its overhead network, but supply was restored three hours later.

Then, shortly before 16:00 GMT, WPD said 536 homes in Cotgrave and surrounding Nottinghamshire villages were without power after an overhead fault.

More than 180 homes remain without power, with WPD pledging to restore supply to the affected areas by 21:00.

Calverton Road in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, was briefly closed after a large fallen tree was blocking the road.

Rutland Council said it was dealing with several reports of fallen trees including in Glaston Road, Wing, Essendine Road, Ryhall, Leicester Road, Uppingham and Main Street, Stoke Dry.

Trent Barton buses also reported they had some delays due to a tree down on the A52 in Shirley, Derbyshire, and Bath Street, Ilkeston, being closed due to a fallen chimney at the junction with Pelham Street.

The Devonshire pub in Belper, Derbyshire, saw its permanent marquee blown away at about 15:00 GMT.

Manager Emma Cooper said: "A customer just came in and told us that the marquee was on the car park.

"It's a shame really because it was used a hell of a lot come rain or shine and the customers will miss it. I don't know how long the framework will stand."

Andy Wright, from Kibworth, Leicestershire, stopped to warn other drivers after he saw a shed narrowly miss an oncoming car on the A6 in Oadby.

"It's difficult to know how far it had come but by the time it got to the A6 it was upside and missing its doors," he said.

"Two men tried to move it but every time the wind blew it kept catching it and blowing it further, and knocked one of the men down."

Across Nottinghamshire, parks including Newstead Abbey, Rufford Abbey, Sherwood Forest and Wollaton Park are closed and the play areas at Nottingham Castle are shut.

Calke Abbey in Derbyshire, Rutland Water and Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire are also closed.

Derbyshire County Council said the Elvaston Castle car park had been shut due to high winds, and encouraged people not to enter the park on foot.

Outdoor markets have also been cancelled and National Highways has advised motorists to be careful of strong winds if travelling on the M1 between junctions 22 and 23 in Leicestershire.

East Midlands Airport (EMA) urged anyone travelling on Friday to check with their airlines for the most up-to-date flight information and to allow plenty of time for their journey to the airport.

A number of flights were diverted to EMA from other UK airports on Friday afternoon due to the storm.

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