Storm Eunice: Woman killed by falling tree as winds batter London

A passenger in a car has been killed by a falling tree as Storm Eunice battered London with gusts of up to 78mph.

The woman, in her 30s, was in a car being driven by a man, also in his 30. He needed hospital treatment.

The tree hit the car in Muswell Hill Road in Haringey, north London, at about 16:00 GMT.

Elsewhere, a man was hurt when a flagstone fell from Mercury House, in Waterloo. A second man was struck by a tree, London Ambulance Service said.

Most London trains are not running due to high winds across the capital. The London Fire Brigade has declared a major incident in response to the number of 999 calls it has received.

The woman died at the scene despite efforts from paramedics and firefighters. Her family has been informed.

Peray Ahmet, leader of Haringey Council, said she was deeply saddened by the death and sent her deepest sympathies to her family.

"Our teams are working tirelessly to clear fallen trees and debris and to secure any structures that pose a risk to the public," she said.

"I urge all residents to follow official advice and be alert to the dangers that come with the extreme weather that continues to affect the borough."

Road closures remain in place at the location.

A man was taken to hospital after being injured by falling debris in The Cut in Waterloo at about midday.

He was treated at the scene and transported to hospital "as a priority".

Another man was taken to hospital with a head injury after being struck by a tree in Streatham shortly before 11:00.

No further detail was available about either casualty.

LFB's Control Room took 550 calls between 10:30 GMT and 13:00 - which is more than the average number usually taken in a 24-hour period.

The brigade and London Ambulance Service are asking people to only call 999 if there is an emergency or if there's an immediate risk to life.

Fallen trees or large branches should be reported to the council, a spokesperson said.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has urged Londoners to "please stay at home" and only travel if "it is absolutely essential".

He said: "City Hall is in close contact with key agencies across the capital and our city is as prepared as possible for any potential impacts of Storm Eunice."

Shelters are being opened for people who are sleeping rough through a scheme usually deployed when temperatures drop to below freezing.

The protocol compels councils and homelessness charities to open emergency accommodation for people who are on the streets.

All train journeys are being affected by Storm Eunice, according to Network Rail, and passengers have been advised not to travel.

In the south-east of England 21 train operators have suspended some or all services.

A number of London Underground and Overground lines plus TfL rail and tram services have been disrupted.

This is due to a combination of items blowing on to the track and damage to power lines, Transport for London said.

On the District line, there is no service between Parsons Green and Wimbledon, Barking and Upminster, High Street Kensington and Edgware Road with severe delays on the rest of the line.

The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge on the M25 has closed, leading to increased traffic in the area.

Fallen trees were blocking lanes earlier on the A40 near Hangar Lane and the M40 near Wycombe.

Scaffolding has fallen on to Walworth Road, near Elephant and Castle, leading to bus diversions.

Winds of up to 70mph have been recorded at Heathrow Airport and at 78 mph near Gatwick.

All flights to and from City Airport have been grounded. Flights are still landing at Gatwick and Heathrow, though many are being diverted or cancelled.

The fabric covering of the 02 arena in Greenwich has ripped in the high winds.

Witness Mala Sharma said it happened "right in front of my eyes".

She said "more and more parts are getting ripped off", adding: "It's going to be a safety issue for people around."

There are currently power cuts reported in the NW10 postcode around Harlesden, according to the UK Power Networks.

Earlier power cuts in Richmond, Wembley, Southwark, Thamesmead, Hackney and Romford have been dealt with.

UK Power Networks says its linesmen are "ready to start repairing damaged lines and we will restore as many power supplies as possible by remote control".

London homes have been damaged by flying debris and falling trees.

Zoos and city farms in parts of south London have rushed animals indoors to shield them.

Horses and goats at Vauxhall City Farm are being kept in their stables to protect them.

Battersea Park Children's Zoo has moved many of its animals indoors to protect them from the bad weather and staff are also staying on to make sure animals are safe.

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