Man killed by falling tree in wake of storm Ciara as Britain braces for storm Dennis

11 February 2020, 14:50

A dog walker has died after being hit by a falling tree as the country recovers from storm Ciara.

The man, aged in his sixties, was hit shortly after 11am today in Black Wood, Woolton, Liverpool.

A spokesperson from Merseyside Police, said: “We can confirm that the man hit by the falling tree branch in Black Wood in Woolton has sadly passed away.

"The man, who is in his 60s and from the Liverpool area, has now been identified and his next of kin have been informed.

"Road closures remain in place in the area."

Two other men have died due to the high winds kicked up by the "storm of the century".

One man, 58, was killed while driving to his home in Micheldever, Hants at around 4pm on Sunday.

Another man, aged 77, died after falling shortly before 11am in Clydebank, West Dumbartonshire, on Monday.

On Monday night, the Government activated an emergency financial aid package for areas devastated by the storm.

Britain was battered by 100mph winds on Monday as the storm made landfall with some areas experiencing widespread flooding as they experienced a month and a half's rainfall in just 24 hours.

And the bad weather is not expected to end anytime soon, with warnings for snow, ice and wind being issued across the UK as it braces itself for Storm Dennis.

Storm Dennis

The Met Office has issued warnings for snow across parts of the Midlands and eastern England, where flurries are already being reported. 

Although we are unlikely to see repeats of the 97mph top recorded windspeed brought to the Isle of Wight by Storm Ciara, gusts of 50mph are expected.

Coastal areas, hilly areas and exposed locations could see speeds of more than 60mph, the forecaster added.

Further flooding could be seen, with more heavy rain on its way.

Around 730 properties are believed to have been affected by flooding in recent days, the Environment Agency said as it warned of more wet weather ahead when Storm Dennis takes hold.

Caroline Douglass, flood duty manager at the agency, said: "River and surface water flooding is possible on Saturday into Sunday due to Storm Dennis and we are advising people to check their flood risk and to stay safe on the coast or when walking or driving near swollen rivers."

She also warned people against taking "dangerous" so-called storm selfies.

The Met Office said transport delays and cancellations can be expected, as well as damage to power supplies and large coastal waves in the worst of the stormy weather.

Chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: "Another spell of very wet and windy weather is expected for Saturday.

"Although Storm Dennis is currently not expected to be as severe as Ciara, disruption is still likely."