Storm Erik hits Oldham bringing strong winds and heavy rain

Storm Erik

Storm Erik is battering the North West today bringing strong winds and heavy rain to the region.

The first 'named' storm of 2019 has battered the area overnight with the wind and rain set to continue through the morning.

A yellow weather alert remains in place until 3pm today (Saturday).

It covers Oldham with the rest of the region also expected to experience high speed gusts upto 70 mph in places.

The strong winds are pushing from the west to east during the day and could bring potential travel disruption.

WEATHER WARNING
We have received a Met Office weather warning for strong winds from 00.15hrs till 15.00hrs tomorrow 9/2/19 in the North West area. Gusts inland of around 55 mph and 70mph on coastal areas. May cause issues for road users, particularly high sided vehicles.

— North West Motorway Police (@NWmwaypolice) February 8, 2019

Yesterday the North West motoring police were advising drivers to take extra care following the Met Office warning.

Electricity companies are on stand by should they be needed to repair overhead wires and restore power.

#StormErik is currently moving across the North West. We're monitoring the weather and we have engineers waiting to be dispatched if the weather impacts power supplies. Stay safe by staying away from fallen power lines and don't forget we're here 24/7 if you need us #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/2581qmVNyP

— ElectricityNorthWest (@ElectricityNW) February 9, 2019

A statement on the Met Office website said: "A swathe of very strong westerly winds is expected to push across Northern Ireland, southern Scotland and northern England through Saturday, easing from the west during the day.

"Inland gusts of 55 mph are expected quite widely, with some places having gusts to 70 mph, more particularly around exposed coasts and hills."