- Mar 1, 2017
- 2 min read

Storm Doris battered Formby with 60mph winds last week

Storm Doris caused disruption across Formby and the whole of Sefton on Thursday 23rd February. Gale force winds reached 60mph in our Bubble knocking over trees and causing slates to fall off rooves. A tree landed on a car on Graburn Road. An old lady was blocked in her house on Altcar Road when a tree blocked her front door.

Tree down in Ashurst Court - Storm Doris

Tree down in Crown Close - Photo by Jennifer Craig

Merseyside Police urged members of the public to avoid any non-essential travel and stay indoors if possible until conditions improved.

A police spokesperson said: "There have been multiple reports of fallen trees, dangerous roof tiles and signage, with corresponding road closures. There have also been multiple incidents of structural collapse in buildings owing to high winds.

An amber warning was issued by the Met Office which means bad weather could cause travel delays, road and rail closures, interrupt power and cause potential risk to life and property.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Whilst the strongest winds look to be only short-lived, damage to structures, interruptions to power supplies and widespread disruption to travel networks are likely, with a danger of injury from flying debris."

Merseyrail was disrupted on all lines with bus replacement services as and when they could sort it out.

National Trust Formby had to remain closed for three days due to falling trees near to the car park. A spokesman for National Trust Formby said: “Unfortunately our tree inspections have identified a potentially dangerous tree next to our woodland car park on Victoria Road. As we are due further high winds and heavy rain today, we will have to remain closed in order to monitor the tree to see if it is likely to come down over the road. If it is safe to do so, we will reopen on Sunday."

Other trees fell in Formby, including numerous of the brand new trees which were planted only two weeks ago along Woodlands Road and Harington Road. Also a tree blocked the pathway towards Formby train station and was still there all night.

Sefton Council did however do a fantastic job clearing up the trees very speedily, most of the trees we went to take photos of had already been cleared up so well done Sefton Council working throughout the storm.