Damaged illuminations and fallen trees - Storm Boelo continues to batter Fylde coast
The Fylde coast was battered by Storm Boelo last night, with fallen trees blocking roads, Illuminations damaged and attractions cancelled.
The wild weather has continued into this morning, with gusts up to 67mph expected on Blackpool promenade. A yellow weather warning remains in place.
Last night’s weather caused chaos across the Fylde coast. A number of roads- including the A6 near Garstang were blocked by fallen trees. In Blackpool, residents watched on in horror as multiple signs were damaged and broken by the strong winds.
Blackpool Council staff were spotted fixing illuminations lights throughout the night. The Open Sesame tableaux was damaged by gusts and part of the attraction fell off as a result. Metal railings in front of a number of tableaux were blown over, and the lights could be seen shaking violently in the winds.
The North Pier was forced to shut all of its entertainment venues last night, with a spokesperson saying that ‘the safety of our visitors, performers and staff will always come first’. The North Pier’s bosses will continue to monitor the weather today before making a decision on reopening.
The vast majority of Sunday league and youth football fixtures have been cancelled due to the weather this morning due to high winds and waterlogged pitches. The conditions at Bloomfield Road for Blackpool’s 3-1 loss to Mansfield Town yesterday were described as ‘crazy’ by some fans.
More weather updates will follow throughout the day.