Storm Eunice

Storm Eunice and Franklin have ripped through the country, leaving devastating effects on infrastructure and public areas.

Salford felt the full effects of the storms over the weekend and into the week. Red weather warnings, the highest possible, were issued due to torrential rain, flooding and 90mph winds. Fallen trees also contributed to road closures and disrupted or cancelled trains.

Last Friday, Storm Eunice’s most prevalent day in the North-West, Walkden shopping centre was forced to close when it appeared that the roof was close to coming off. The shopping centre reopened on Saturday however the viral video, posted by Lowry’s Café Walkden, shows just how close the centre came to permanent damage.

Elsewhere on Friday, Salford University was forced to close its campus, advising students to not travel to University buildings in the storm and to attend online lectures from home. The University reopened its campus on Monday.

On Saturday, Salford City FC’s game against Crawley Town at The Peninsula Stadium was postponed due to adverse weather conditions and a waterlogged pitch. The game was one of three League Two fixtures that were postponed on Saturday with Harrogate and Exeter both also having to cancel their matches against Barrow and Leyton Orient respectively.

The fixture vs Crawley Town has now been rearranged for Tuesday the 29th of March at 7.45pm at The Peninsula Stadium, any tickets purchased for the original fixture vs Crawley will be transferrable for this new date, alternatively refunds can be issued.

Among many businesses and organisations having to close their doors, the damage to public and private property is immeasurable with the remnants of debris and ruins easy to see. Peel Park was affected by flooding as the River Irwell rose to submerge much of the lower bank.

Storm Franklin also struck Salford on Sunday with heavy rain and winds reaching 45mph causing minor flooding and road closures. This prompted the Met Office to issue an amber warning for the region on Monday. Although the effects of Storm Franklin weren’t as devastating as Storm Eunice, the winds and flooding did cause significant disruption to public transport with through train and bus cancellations and delays.

The City of Salford is extremely relieved to have survived the recent unprecedented weather conditions relatively unscathed.

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