Latest news with #AlexCroft
South China Morning Post
29-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Why brands and businesses are embracing street art culture in Hong Kong
Take a stroll around the streets of Hong Kong a couple of decades ago and the amount of street art you'd have seen would be close to zero. A smattering of graffiti, yes, but almost no walls where businesses had commissioned artworks for commercial purposes. Advertisement Today, the situation couldn't be more different. Hong Kong is covered in street art of all descriptions, with hotspots from SoHo and Sheung Wan – including perhaps most Insta-famous of all, artist Alex Croft's Graham Street mural for homeware store GOD – to Sai Ying Pun's ArtLane, to Wong Chuk Hang and large parts of Kowloon, especially Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok's Public Square Street. Essentially, it's everywhere. Street art has its roots in graffiti, an inherently rebellious art form whose practitioners by definition don't ask for permission, making much of it technically illegal. However, it has long been co-opted for commercial purposes; pretty early on, savvy brands realised that it was something they could use to gain instant countercultural cachet, while the hip-hop culture that produced graffiti has always balanced an emphasis on underground authenticity with a keen awareness of commercial possibilities. Street art has its roots in graffiti. Photo: K. Y. Cheng Consequently, today the term 'street art' covers everything from purely creative graffiti to work paid for by large corporations, and its practitioners similarly come from a diversity of backgrounds – from those who started with tags and spray cans, to those who trained at fine art academies and interiors ateliers. For marketers, it's a particularly effective way of standing out from the crowd, given the diminishing effectiveness of many traditional channels. In Hong Kong, the F&B industry has been a particularly enthusiastic adopter. Says Malique Goldin, head of partnerships at Black Sheep Restaurants, which adorns spaces like the wall of its Central Vietnamese bar Chom Chom with murals: 'We are storytellers and there are many ways to tell our stories; it's another canvas to express who we are. It's also a good creative outlet. It can be funky, it can be fun. It doesn't have to be perfect; it just has to be us.' Partly brands have embraced street art so enthusiastically because of a cultural shift, with the rise of the star graffiti writer, exemplified by Banksy , legitimising the art form and giving it a kind of mainstream acceptability. It's also very photo-friendly, with social media playing a huge role in its growing popularity, while non-profit organisation HKwalls, which works tirelessly to put artists together with companies that can provide them with a wall to work on, has been pivotal in giving it a kick-start in the city. Cultural shifts have encouraged brands to embrace street art. Photo: Handout 'Since 2016 or 2017, with HKwalls and social media, there have been more people wanting to get into the street art scene,' says artist Kristopher Ho, whose spectacular, hyper-detailed animal illustrations crop up all over the city, including as part of HKwalls. 'It pays better: if I'm going to paint something large, I'm going to get paid more. But just because you know how to paint on a piece of paper, it doesn't mean you know how to paint on walls. The scene is definitely more vibrant now, but it's hard to maintain the quality.'
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
Eurostar - latest: All trains cancelled after WWII bomb found near Paris Gare du Nord Station
Eurostar has suspended services between London and Paris after the discovery of an unexploded Second World War bomb near tracks in the French capital. Thousands of passengers are disrupted as the cross-Channel operator cancelled 10 services on Friday morning. All trains in the Paris to London direction are cancelled until at least 12.09pm. The number of cancellations is continuing to rise swiftly on Friday morning, which is typically an extremely busy day for Eurostar trains. Eurostar said in a statement: 'Due to an object on the tracks near Paris Gare du Nord, we are expecting disruption to our services this morning. 'Please change your journey for a different date of travel.' France's national train operator SNCF said in a statement that services at Gare du Nord would be suspended until mid-morning at the request of the police. Where was the bomb found - and is there danger? In pictures: Passengers stranded as train cancellations rise Simon Calder: Rail travellers rights are much weaker than air travellers Eurostar cancellations rising swiftly Eurostar calls on passengers to avoid travel today 08:55 , Alex Croft Fabien Villedieu, leader of the SUD rail union shared a picture of the unexploded bomb on social media, which he said weighed 300kg. voilà la bombe(300kg) découverte cette nuit lors des travaux ferroviaires. — Fabien Villedieu (@VilledieuFabien) March 7, 2025 08:38 , Alex Croft The bomb which has prompted chaos on the Eurostar was discovered at around 4am by workers doing earth-moving work near the Seine-Saint-Denis of northeast Paris. Minesweepers were sent to the site, and their operation to guarantee the area is safe is still going on. It isn't uncommon for bombs left over from the World Wars to be discovered in France - but to find them in such a people-packed location is rare. French transport minister Philippe Tabarot told broadcaster Sud Radio that local residents and people near the train stations should have "no fear" of a risk of explosion, stressing the procedures in place for defusing and removing such bombs. 08:27 , Alex Croft 08:15 , Alex Croft Simon Calder, The Independent's Travel Correspondent, tackles the consumer issues arising from the Eurostar closure. The closure has happened on the busiest day of the week for Eurostar. Besides large numbers of business passengers shuttling between London and Paris, Friday is the key day for leisure travellers heading for a weekend away. Eurostar says: 'You can exchange your ticket for free to travel at a different time or date in the same travel class.' Were this affecting airlines, rather than trains, passengers would have a wide range of rights, including alternative transport as soon as possible, plus meals and hotels as they wait. But rail travellers' rights are much weaker. Many passengers will have booked accommodation in Paris, which they may not be able to cancel. Travel insurance may provide some recompense. 08:09 , Alex Croft Eurostar has cancelled all trains from London until at least mid-morning after the discovery of an unexploded Second World War bomb disrupted traffic at Paris's busy Gare du Nord station. 'An unexploded bomb from the Second World War was discovered near the tracks,' French national railway company TER said. The disruption is affecting both local metros and national and international trains. Eurostar's website shows that at least four trains scheduled to depart from Gare du Nord on Friday morning have been cancelled so far, while six trains departing Paris for London have also been trains cancelled as WWII bomb found near Paris Gare du Nord 08:07 , Alex CroftThe number of cancellations on Eurostar is rising swiftly. The first four departures from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord have been cancelled, with the first train that is expected to run at 10.31am. In the opposite directly, the first six trains are cancelled – with the first departure not expected to leave until the afternoon, as 12.09pm. Friday is an extremely busy day for Eurostar, and later trains are heavily booked. Passengers are being advised to book on later days. 08:02 , Barney Davis The Gare du Nord is a major European transit hub, serving international destinations north of France as well as the main Paris airport and many regional commuters. Bombs left over from World War I or World War II are regularly discovered around France but it is very rare to find them in such a people-packed location. 07:59 , Barney Davis Eurostar has warned passengers to avoid using the service today after a Second World War bomb was found near the tracks in Paris. They said: "Due to the presence of an object on the tracks near Paris Gare du Nord, we are expecting disruption to our services this morning. Please change your journey to another travel date.' The disruption was caused by "the discovery during the night of an unexploded bomb from the Second World War during work carried out upstream of Paris Gare du Nord," SNCF management said.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Farmers' protest live: Protesters say ‘no pancakes without us' on tractor tax march in London
Thousands of farmers have vowed there will be 'no pancakes without us' on a protest from Whitehall towards Parliament over inheritance tax changes. Protesters, with tractors and combine harvesters, arrived in London this morning for the 'Pancake Day rally' after police banned tractors from the capital. Seven machines present at the start of the protest were pre-agreed with police under the conditions of the Public Order Act, police said. The Met banned all other 'mechanically propelled vehicles' from the capital following protests last month that saw hundreds of tractors disrupt traffic across the city. The march is the latest action being taken by farmers who are unhappy over Labour's plan to bring in a 20 per cent inheritance tax rate on agricultural land and businesses worth more than £1m. Farmer Olly Harrison, one of the organisers, has said the protesters will aim to explain to MPs 'the levels of investment needed in agriculture just to produce something simple like a pancake'. Thousands of farmers turn up to Whitehall: 'No pancakes without us' Farmers turn up in combine harvesters ahead of London protest Farmers could be arrested if they drive tractors at rally, police warn Third Labour MP speaks out against inheritance tax plans 13:57 , Alexander Butler Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the Met Police banning tractors from today's protest was 'heavy-handed'. Speaking at the protest, Mr Farage said: 'It looks on the face of it to be overly heavy-handed with what is an incredibly peaceful and law-abiding group of people.' Mr Farage urged farmers to pressure Labour MPs in rural constituencies whose majorities are "cigarette paper-thin". 13:37 , Alexander Butler 13:26 , Alex Croft Emma, 48, says she has heard of elderly farmers who would rather die now than wait until inheritance tax changes come into force in April 2026. 'We're already hearing of people that have taken their own life because of the situation,' the farmer from Staffordshire said. Her father passed away five years ago, leaving the farm to her mother. 'When anything happens to her, the money's going have to be found for this tax,' she adds. 13:10 , Alexander Butler 13:06 , Alex Croft Nigel Watson, a 58-year-old farmer from East Yorkshire says he is here for his son's benefit - not his own. 'The inheritance tax will give my son a bill of circa half a million pounds,' he said. 'Their attitude towards rural people is quite negative at the moment, and we'd just like them to engage with us.' 12:38 , Alexander Butler Farmers are handing out pancakes from the top of a combine harvester to dozens of protesters in Whitehall, Alex Croft reports. They are flipping the batter and cooking the pancakes from a pan before throwing them down to supporters. Disco music also blasts from a large nearby sound system on a beautiful sunny day in London. 12:33 , Alex Croft Protesting farmers will not stop until the government listens, the National Farmers Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw warned. Speaking from the top of a combined harvester, Mr Bradshaw said: 'This is a marathon, not a sprint. 'If we have to, we'll have to keep on turning up, we'll have to keep on campaigning.' 'We have to make sure they understand we cannot go away and we will not go away,' he added, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. 12:10 , Alexander Butler Hundreds of protestors gathered on Whitehall to protest the government's controversial inheritance tax changes are in a generally upbeat and positive mood, Alex Croft reports. But there is clear frustration towards the government's refusal to U-turn on the plans. And pancakes are the clear theme of the Shrove Tuesday protest. 'Farmers matter if we want batter,' reads one sign. Multiple farmers have raised a key point for pancake day: there are no pancakes without flour and eggs. 12:08 Labour's inheritance tax plans are 'absolutely devastating' for farming families, shadow farming minister Robbie Moore said. 'It is absolutely devastating. The elderly generation are having to make some really tough decisions. 'They know they will have to pay inheritance tax after April 2026,' Mr Moore said. 11:51 , Alexander Butler Shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins slammed Labour's inheritance tax plans as 'vindictive' and claimed it was forcing families to consider elderly relatives living beyond April 2026. 'This dreadful vindictive farm tax will break family farming as we know it,' Ms Atkins said on the protest in London this morning. 'Across kitchens tables up and down the country, families are having conversations about whether they can afford for an elderly relative to live beyond April 2026. 'Because if they live beyond this date, they will be hit with an enormous inheritance tax bill.' 11:28 , Alexander Butler Labour is pressing ahead with a 20 per cent inheritance tax rate on agricultural land and businesses worth more than £1m, essentially scrapping an exemption which meant no tax was paid to pass down family farms. Farmers say that it will force land sales, stall investment, and hurt families lacking succession plans. But the Government has stood firm, calling the move a 'fair and balanced approach'. The Lib Dems and the Conservatives urged Labour to scrap the changes, which are due to come into force from April 2026. 11:08 , Alexander Butler 11:00 , Alexander Butler 10:52 , Alexander Butler Dozens of tractors and harvesters have started driving onto Parliament Street, Alex Croft reports. The huge vehicles were parked off the main thoroughfare this morning. It is not clear if they have permission to be there or not. The Met Police banned all 'mechanically propelled vehicles' from London following protests last month that saw hundreds of tractors disrupt traffic across the city. However, a small number of farming vehicles have been allowed into London with prior permission from the police. 10:39 A third Labour MP has broke ranks with the party to oppose the government's plans for inheritance tax. Henry Tufnell, MP for South and Mid-Pembrokeshire, warned it was not only wealthy landowners who would be affected by the decision to levy inheritance tax on farms worth more than £1m. "It's affecting the fabric of the society within those rural communities and that's why we were elected," Mr Tufnell told Sky News. 09:57 , Alexander Butler Protesting farmers have turned up to London in combine harvesters. A four-metre tall Grimme sugar beat harvester towered over two other farming vehicles outside Whitehall this morning. A self-propelled Claas Jaguar 970 forage harvester was parked next to it, alongside a Claas combine harvester. The Met Police has banned all 'mechanically propelled vehicles' from London following protests last month that saw hundreds of tractors descend on the capital. A small number of farming vehicles have been allowed into London with prior permission from the police. 09:40 , Alexander Butler Farmer Olly Harrison, one of the organisers, said: 'We don't need any tractors, this is on foot. 'We are going to have some kit to show to the MPs to explain the levels of investment. 'We've sorted all that out, you just get yourself there on foot,' he told those taking part. 'Let's explain the levels of investment needed in agriculture just to produce something simple like a pancake.' 09:27 , Alexander Butler A Government spokesperson said: 'Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast. 'This Government are investing £5 billion into farming, the largest budget for sustainable food production in our country's history. 'We are going further with reforms to boost profits for farmers by backing British produce and reforming planning rules on farms to support food production. 'Our reform to agricultural and business property reliefs will mean three quarters of estates will continue to pay no inheritance tax at all, while the remaining quarter will pay half the inheritance tax that most people pay, and payments can be spread over 10 years, interest-free. 'This is a fair and balanced approach which helps fix the public services we all rely on.' 09:20 , Alexander Butler Labour is pressing ahead with a 20 per cent inheritance tax rate on agricultural land and businesses worth more than £1 million. The move essentially scraps an exemption that meant no tax was paid to pass down family farms. The plans are due to come into force from April 2026. 08:39 , Alexander Butler Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell, who is commanding the policing operation, said: 'Two previous protests have taken place in the same area, with the same organisers, in recent months. 'The second protest saw a significant number of people attend with tractors and other large farming vehicles. Whitehall was blocked for much of the day and there were lengthy significant delays on surrounding roads. 'It is our responsibility to ensure that protests don't cause serious disruption to the life of the community and we've used our powers under the Public Order Act to ensure that does not happen on Tuesday. 'We have been in regular contact with the organisers to explain our decision making and I'm grateful for the positive and collaborative approach they have taken.' 08:37 , Alexander Butler Why are Britain's farmers protesting? 07:59 , Tara Cobham Farmer Olly Harrison, one of the organisers, said: 'We don't need any tractors, this is on foot. 'We are going to have some kit to show to the MPs to explain the levels of investment. 'We've sorted all that out, you just get yourself there on foot,' he told those taking part. 'Let's explain the levels of investment needed in agriculture just to produce something simple like a pancake.' 07:51 , Tara Cobham Farmers could be arrested if they drive their tractors at a march in central London, police have said. Conditions have been imposed under the Public Order Act preventing demonstrators from bringing tractors, other than a limited number already agreed by the organisers to demonstrate the costs of such specialist equipment, the Metropolitan Police said. Deputy assistant commissioner Ben Russell, who is leading the policing operation, said last month's protest saw a 'significant number of people attend with tractors and other large farming vehicles'. He said there were lengthy road delays, adding: 'It is our responsibility to ensure that protests don't cause serious disruption to the life of the community.' Scotland Yard warned that it is a criminal offence to breach the conditions or to incite others to do so, and that anyone doing so may face arrest. 07:45 Farmers say that it will force land sales, stall investment, and hurt families lacking succession plans. But the government has stood firm, calling the move a 'fair and balanced approach'. 07:41 , Tara Cobham The government has stood firm in the face of strong opposition to the move, insisting its approach is 'fair and balanced'. A government spokesperson said: 'Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast. 'This Government are investing £5 billion into farming, the largest budget for sustainable food production in our country's history. 'We are going further with reforms to boost profits for farmers by backing British produce and reforming planning rules on farms to support food production. 'Our reform to agricultural and business property reliefs will mean three quarters of estates will continue to pay no inheritance tax at all, while the remaining quarter will pay half the inheritance tax that most people pay, and payments can be spread over 10 years, interest-free. 'This is a fair and balanced approach which helps fix the public services we all rely on.' 07:39 , Tara Cobham The Lib Dems and the Conservatives urged Labour to scrap the changes. Shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins called the move 'vindictive'. 'Once again, rural communities will gather in Westminster to show their united opposition to Labour's vindictive family farms tax. 'Our rural communities have warned repeatedly that Labour's tax hike is stopping investment, inflicting an enormous emotional toll on farming families and will break family farms,' she said. She also argued that introducing this tax puts domestic food production and security at risk. Tim Farron, the Lib Dem environment spokesman, said: 'British farmers are the best in the world. We need them now more than ever to restore nature, provide food security, tackle climate change and support the rural economy. 'The Government must reverse this disastrous family farm tax and instead provide farmers with the support and funding they need to do what is best for the country and for future generations.' 07:37 , Tara Cobham Labour is pressing ahead with a 20 per cent inheritance tax rate on agricultural land and businesses worth more than £1 million. The move essentially scraps an exemption that meant no tax was paid to pass down family farms. The plans are due to come into force from April 2026. 07:34 , Tara Cobham Farmers will return to central London to protest inheritance tax changes with a 'Pancake Day rally' on Tuesday. Attendees will march from Whitehall at around midday towards Parliament, with the demonstration due to end at 3pm. The protest will be largely on foot as police are allowing only a limited number of tractors after last month's demonstration caused traffic delays. Farmers who bring tractors in breach of the conditions could face arrest. Farmer Olly Harrison, one of the organisers, has said the protesters will aim to explain to MPs 'the levels of investment needed in agriculture just to produce something simple like a pancake'.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Storm Herminia — latest: Two killed in Eowyn's hurricane-force gales as UK braces for fresh 80mph winds and heavy rain
A second person has died after their car was struck by a falling tree as Storm Eowyn battered the UK with hurricane-force winds. A 19-year-old died has died in hospital after a road collision at 6:45am on Friday in East Ayrshire, after 20-year-old Kacper Dudek was named as the storm's first victim in Ireland's County Donegal. Weather warnings have now been extended through until Tuesday as a frosty blast named Storm Herminia by European meteorlogists strikes parts of the UK, just two days after Storm Eowyn brought record-breaking wind speeds of up to 100mph. As Storm Herminia brought thunderstorms and winds of up to 82mph in Cornwall on Sunday morning, the Environment Agency issued more than 30 flood alerts across southern England, including one more severe flood warning, as forecasters warn of up to 80mm of rain in some areas. British Airways has cancelled 26 flights to and from London Heathrow, The Independent has found, with 3,000 to 4,000 passengers affected. They are all short-haul domestic and European flights. Parts of the country still reeling from the damage caused by Storm Eowyn on Friday, described as 'unprecedented on every level' by Northern Ireland's first minister. More than 200 flood alerts and warnings in place Exclusive: Dozens of flight cancellations at Heathrow as Storm Herminia approaches Teenager dies after car hit by falling tree in Scotland amid Storm Eowyn Mapped: Weather warnings in place until Tuesday Thunderstorms and powerful winds in Cornwall as Storm Herminia makes landfall Man who died after tree fell on car in Ireland named 23:22 , Alex Croft Authorities have issued 207 flood warnings and alerts across the UK. The Environment Agency has issued 167 flood alerts and 27 flood warnings in England. Natural Resources Wales has issued 11 flood alerts in Wales and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued two flood warnings for Scotland. A flood alert is the least severe of the three-tier system, while a flood warning is the second most severe. 22:47 , Alex Croft 22:21 , Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent Other airlines have begun cancelling flights on Monday at London Heathrow. Five arrivals and five departures are grounded: Aer Lingus: Dublin Eurowings: Stuttgart Iberia: Madrid KLM: Amsterdam Lufthansa: Frankfurt Under air passengers' rights rules, travellers whose flights are cancelled are entitled to be flown to their destination as soon as possible on any airline, and to be provided with meals and hotels until they get there. All the routes are served by multiple daily departures, and the airlines will aim to rebook passengers on adjacent flights. 21:54 , Alex Croft Northern Ireland's first minister Michelle O'Neill has described Storm Eowyn and its impact as 'unprecedented on every level', as she and and her deputy Emma Little-Pengelly visited NIE Networks in Craigavon to thank workers. Ms O'Neill said: 'People will continue to work tirelessly to ensure people are reconnected as quickly as possible. 'It is very difficult given the sheer volume of damage that has been caused but we're assured that all the work that can be done is being done and we want to thank the staff for all of their efforts.' 21:35 , Alex Croft A woman has urged others to 'never use' hot water bottles after her seven-year-old bottle exploded leaving her with third-degree burns. Karen O'Brien, a retail worker from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, suffered severe burns when her hot water bottle burst on her lap in March 2024. The injury caused her skin to blister and peel away leaving 'holes in the skin' that worsened by the hour. At Leicester Royal Infirmary, doctors removed layers of damaged skin to prevent infection. The burn left her with a large scar on her thigh and permanent skin discolouration. Ms O'Brien is now warning others to avoid hot water bottles, and if they are using them to check their age. Hot water bottles perish over time so experts advise people to change bottles every two to three health warning to hot water bottle users in cold weather 21:13 , Alex Croft Jeremy Clarkson has claimed that warnings about Storm Eowyn, which has unleashed 100 mph winds on the UK and Ireland and left one man dead, is part of an 'anti-Tory' narrative. Weather warnings for snow, wind and rain are issued up to Tuesday (28 January) as the inclement weather continues to batter the UK and Ireland. Flights have been cancelled, major rail routes closed and ferry services were axed again on Saturday after winds hit parts of Britain throughout Friday. Millions were left without power due to the vicious storm. Met Office has now issued weather warnings through until Tuesday, with a new low-pressure system set to take hold over the weekend, moving in from the southwest as Storm Eowyn Clarkson claims BBC's weather coverage is 'anti-Tory' 20:52 , Alex Croft While Sunday saw Storm Eowyn start to die down, a new storm is set to follow immediately behind. Named Storm Herminia by Spanish meteorologists, it is forecast to hit the south west of England and Wales first and then move into Northern Ireland and northern England on Sunday afternoon, reaching parts of Scotland by the evening, according to PA. Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said: 'This is certainly going to be a notch down compared to Eowyn, whilst there is the potential for 60 to 70mph gusts of wind across the very far south west generally, we're not going to be seeing the same strengths of winds as we have seen over the last couple of days.' 20:30 , Alex Croft Aflurry of fresh weather warnings for wind and rain were issued for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday after Storm Eowyn battered the British Isles with hurricane-force winds. Flights were cancelled, major rail routes closed and ferry services axed on Saturday after winds surpassing 100mph hit parts of Britain throughout Friday. More than a million people were left without power due to the vicious storm. A rare red weather warning was lifted on Friday from Scotland and Northern Ireland, where Storm Eowyn damaged buildings, uprooted trees and caused power cuts. But the Met Office has issued weather warnings through until Tuesday, as a new low-pressure system – dubbed Storm Herminia by Spanish forecasters – takes hold over the weekend, moving in from the southwest as Eowyn Herminia map: Where 80mph winds and rain will hit UK today 20:07 , Alex Croft The Met Office has said that 'very strong winds' are possible in southern and eastern parts of England tonight. 'As today's band of wet and windy weather feeds north across the northern half of the UK, another area of rain bearing cloud to the southwest of the UK is being closely monitored,' the forecaster posted alongside a graphic showing tonight's forecast. As today's band of wet and windy weather feeds north across the northern half of the UK, another area of rain bearing cloud to the southwest of the UK is being closely monitoredThis could bring some very strong winds into southern and eastern parts of England tonight — Met Office (@metoffice) January 26, 2025 19:44 , Alex Croft A flurry of fresh weather warnings for wind and rain have been issued for Sunday after Storm Eowyn battered the British Isles with hurricane-force winds. Flights were cancelled, major rail routes closed and ferry services axed on Saturday after winds surpassing 100mph hit parts of Britain throughout Friday. More than a million people were left without power due to the vicious storm. A rare red weather warning was lifted on Friday from Scotland and Northern Ireland, where Storm Eowyn damaged buildings, uprooted trees and caused power cuts. But the Met Office has issued weather warnings through until Tuesday, as a new low-pressure system – dubbed Storm Herminia by Spanish forecasters – takes hold over the weekend, moving in from the southwest as Eowyn Herminia map: Where 80mph winds and rain will hit UK today 19:20 , Alex Croft Authorities have issued 179 flood warnings and alerts across the UK. The Environment Agency has issued 151 flood alerts and 23 flood warnings in England. Natural Resources Wales has issued three alerts in Wales and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued two flood warnings for Scotland. A flood alert is the least severe of the three-tier system, while a flood warning is the second most severe. 18:55 , Alex Croft In its forecast for the next five days, the Environment Agency says: 'Local flooding is possible but not expected from surface water today and tomorrow for parts of England, and from rivers in the East Midlands tomorrow. 'Properties may flood and there may be travel disruption. Local flooding is possible from rivers across parts of the South of England on Tuesday with coastal flooding possible in parts of Dorset tomorrow and Tuesday. 'Groundwater flooding is possible but not expected in parts of the South of England from Tuesday. 'Further local flooding from rivers and surface water is possible on Wednesday into Thursday. Land, roads and some properties may flood and there may be travel disruption.' 18:33 , Alex Croft Residents affected by the record-breaking winds of Storm Eowyn in Ireland are beginning to inspect the damage done to their areas and homes. Johanna Krijnsen, 34, from Co Clare, Ireland, said some parts of her roof blew off during Storm Eowyn. 'This really was the biggest storm we've ever experienced here in Ireland,' said the mother-of-four, originally from Utrecht in the Netherlands. Around 10 trees on their land have been ripped up and they are still without power, she said. 'We're on the West Coast, about 20 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. I think we got the full smack of it.' Ms Krijnsen and her husband have an eight-year-old daughter with Down's Syndrome and a five-year-old son who has non-verbal autism. 'Our son is so used to his routines and they're just not there at the moment,' said Ms Krijnsen. 'So that makes it hardest for him emotionally.' 18:09 , Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent Air-traffic controllers have asked for a reduction in the number of flights to and from London Heathrow on Monday, with strong winds likely to reduce the 'flow rate' of aircraft movements. The Independent has found that British Airways has so far cancelled 26 flights to and from London Heathrow. They are all short-haul domestic and European flights, to and from the following destinations: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belfast City, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Paris CDG Stockholm and estimated 3,000-4,000 passengers are affected. So far other airlines have not cancelled any flights; British Airways has more than half the slots at Heathrow and is always impacted most heavily by air-traffic control restrictions. 17:58 , Alex Croft 17:40 , Alex Croft Monday's jumps cards at Plumpton and Hereford are at risk of being cancelled and will have to face precuationary inspections on raceday morning. Further rain and strong winds are forecast overnight at Hereford, meaning a morning check will take place at 7:30am. It is a similar story at Plumpton, which will be inspected at 8:30am. The area is under a yellow weather warning from the Met Office for strong winds and rain. Wednesday's meeting at Leicester is under threat with a 7.45am check called for Monday. Heavy rain is forecast on Sunday night, with the hurdles track heavy and the chase course soft, heavy in places. 17:19 , Alex Croft The first half of the coming week looks set to remain very unsettledHints though of something less wet and less blustery developing later 👇 — Met Office (@metoffice) January 26, 2025 17:00 , Alex Croft An exterior wall of a Co-op store in Falkirk collapsed due to high winds as Storm Eowyn battered Scotland on Friday, 24 January. 'If you needed an indication as to the severity of Storm Eowyn - this is the Co-op in Denny this afternoon. Thank goodness it was closed,' local radio station Central FM shared in a Facebook post. There were no injuries according to Police Scotland who attended the scene after the damage, which left the inside of the building exposed, was reported. A 20-year-old man in Ireland became the first confirmed Storm Eowyn-related death after a tree fell on his car at 5:30am in Donegal. Co-op building collapses in Falkirk as Storm Eowyn batters Scotland 16:41 , Alex Croft Britons are set to see at least three more days of heavy downpours and powerful winds, as a new weather front named Storm Herminia hit the UK almost immediately after Storm Eowyn caused major damage and disruption. Cornwall was buffeted by thunderstorms and winds of up to 82mph on Sunday morning as Herminia made landfall from the South West, having been named by Spanish meteorologists. The Met Office has now issued a host of weather warnings set to last until Tuesday, including five alerts for wind and rain in force across the southern half of the UK on Herminia brings thunderstorms and flood alerts as Eowyn clear-up continues 16:20 , Andy Gregory 15:58 , Andy Gregory As Herminia made landfall, the BBC cited the National Grid as saying that more than 4,500 properties in Devon and Cornwall had suffered power cuts. Flooding also blocked the rail line between Par and Newquay, National Rail said. 15:33 , Andy Gregory In its outlook for Tuesday to Thursday, the Met Office website states: Remaining wet and windy on Tuesday, and also in the south on Wednesday. Becoming more settled for all by Thursday. Temperatures near the seasonal average, but chilly at night. 15:20 , Andy Gregory A woman has urged others to 'never use' hot water bottles after her seven-year-old bottle exploded leaving her with third-degree burns. Urgent health warning to hot water bottle users in cold weather 14:52 , Andy Gregory Two flood alerts have been issued along the northwestern coast of Wales. Natural Resources Wales warns that flooding is possible along the coastline at West Anglesey, the Lleyn Peninsula, and Cardigan Bay. 'Flooding of low-lying land and roads is expected. Be careful on beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths, roads, low lying land, close to the estuary,' the agency warns. 14:32 , Andy Gregory The Met Office has produced a graphic showing how Storm Herminia will sweep across the UK on Sunday. Wet and windy weather will sweep northeast this afternoon 🌧️🌬️Some snow on hills in the north ❄️Turning brighter, more showery in the southwest 🌦️ — Met Office (@metoffice) January 26, 2025 14:04 , Andy Gregory Ben Lukey, a flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: 'Spells of heavy rain mean surface water and river flooding is possible across parts of England on Sunday, overnight into Monday. 'Although not expected, impacts could include localised flooding from watercourses, drains, channels and flooding from overland flow. 'The risk of coastal flooding remains very low. However, we urge people to stay away from exposed areas on beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads where large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.' He warned people not to drive through flood water as 30cm of flowing water is enough to float a car. 13:44 , Andy Gregory Technicians from England and France are set to help restore power to homes and businesses across Ireland following Storm Eowyn. More than 300,000 remain without power across Ireland following record-setting wind speeds, with ESB Networks warning that 100,000 may still be without power by next Friday. Nearly 110,000 were also without water on Sunday afternoon. Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary said technicians from England are helping ESB workers, and further support is coming from France, with the main focus this week around restoring power and water. He described the damage as 'extensive', but said they are 'throwing everything at it'. 13:22 , Andy Gregory Jeremy Clarkson has claimed that warnings about Storm Eowyn, which has unleashed 100 mph winds on the UK and Ireland and left one man dead, is part of an 'anti-Tory' narrative. Clarkson, in his column for The Sun, has scoffed at the warnings issued by experts, instead calling the conditions a 'bit breezy'. 'The weathermen were all standing on the bottom corner of Ireland, making out like they were in Hiroshima in 1945 and there were stories that commercial airliners were coming across the Atlantic at speeds in excess of 800 mph,' wrote the 64-year-old. 'Look, I know why the weathermen like to get hysterical,' claimed Clarkson. 'It means they are elevated from a slot at the end of a news bulletin into the bulletin itself and this makes their mums and dads very proud.' 'And I know why BBC television producers like the histrionics as well. It plays into the anti-Tory, anti-growth, anti-business global-warming narrative.' reports: Jeremy Clarkson claims BBC's weather coverage is 'anti-Tory' 13:07 , Andy Gregory Multiple weather systems are arriving at the same time because of the placement of the jet stream, Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said. 'It's being fuelled by the cold wave that they've had recently over the United States and Canada, and that contrast between the cold air there, and the mild air pushing in from the equator is helping to fuel this very powerful jet stream across the Atlantic at the moment,' said Mr Vautrey. 'It's the exact positioning of the jet stream that determines who sees the low pressure and who sees the strongest winds. Initially it helped steer Eowyn up towards the north west of the UK, and so we saw the strongest winds from that [there]. 'Whereas with this next system that the Spanish have named, because the jet stream is just slightly further south now, it's pushing it a little bit more to the south of the UK, but into parts of continental Europe as well – that's why they're seeing the strongest winds'. 12:52 , Andy Gregory 'In my previous life, I ran an organisation, at Transport for London, where everything that went wrong was my fault.' That was the rail minister, Lord Hendy, addressing the transport select committee this week. Since he spoke to MPs, an awful lot has gone wrong with the railways in the UK. On Friday, Storm Eowyn meant no trains ran in Scotland, Northern Ireland or northern England. By Saturday, we imagined things could only get better. Passengers on platform 5 at Newcastle boarded the first train since Thursday to go north. It left on time at 8.41am, as the Scotland-bound passengers settled in for what was scheduled to be an 85-minute sprint to the Scottish capital. The train eventually arrived exactly five hours behind schedule, having averaged just 14mph. Our travel correspondent reports: Rail: 'This is where we are, but it is definitely not where anybody wants to be' 12:41 , Tara Cobham A teenager has died after his car was struck by a falling tree in Scotland amid Storm Eowyn on Friday. The incident happened at about 6.45am on the B743 at Mauchline, East Ayrshire, and involved a blue Ford Focus. The 19-year-old man was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow for treatment but died on Saturday. Sergeant Chris McColm of the Road Policing Unit said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died." 12:37 , Andy Gregory Ministers from across the UK held an emergency Cobra meeting on Saturday to co-ordinate recovery efforts, and extra engineers were dispatched from England to Northern Ireland and Scotland. On Sunday morning, Northern Ireland Electricity Networks said 101,000 of its customers remained without electricity after Storm Eowyn. Power has been restored to 183,000. By 8am on Sunday more than 14,000 SP Energy Networks customers in central and southern Scotland were off-grid though power had been restored to 165,000. 12:22 , Andy Gregory Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan has warned of wet and windy weather to come as Storm Herminia lashes Britain in the wake of Storm Eowyn, which was described as likely the most powerful weather system to hit the UK in at least 10 years. Mr Morgan said: 'It's also going to be wet and windy over the next few days in southern parts of the UK in particular. In most parts of the UK we're going to have some very wet and at times also very windy weather over today and Monday. 'But from Tuesday onwards, I'm expecting it generally to stay fairly changeable, but some showers at times and quite windy, but not as disruptive as it has been – I think overall, probably warnings are less likely from Tuesday onwards. 'Certainly tonight in the south east of the UK, we could see some briefly very strong winds, and we could also see some very strong winds across Cornwall and Devon tomorrow in particular'. 12:07 , Andy Gregory In its forecast for the next five days, the Environment Agency says: 'Local flooding is possible but not expected from surface water today and tomorrow for parts of England, and from rivers in the East Midlands tomorrow. 'Properties may flood and there may be travel disruption. Local flooding is possible from rivers across parts of the South of England on Tuesday with coastal flooding possible in parts of Dorset tomorrow and Tuesday. 'Groundwater flooding is possible but not expected in parts of the South of England from Tuesday. 'Further local flooding from rivers and surface water is possible on Wednesday into Thursday. Land, roads and some properties may flood and there may be travel disruption.' 11:56 , Andy Gregory An 82mph gust was recorded in Predannack, south Cornwall, on Sunday morning. Forecasters have warned that Devon and Cornwall could experience some very powerful winds later on Sunday. The region is one of many places in the UK subject to Met Office warnings for wind over the next few days. 11:23 , Andy Gregory A flurry of fresh weather warnings for wind and rain have been issued until Tuesday after Storm Eowyn battered the British Isles with hurricane-force winds. You can find out more about when and where the Met Office has issued warnings here: Storm Herminia map: Where 75mph winds and rain will hit UK today 11:10 , Andy Gregory Heavy showers and thunderstorms are now moving into Cornwall, the Met Office has said, with forecasters warning of the 'potential for a brief spell of very strong, squally winds'. Heavy showers and thunderstorms are now moving into Cornwall, with potential for a brief spell of very strong, squally winds 🌧️🌬️ — Met Office (@metoffice) January 26, 2025 10:59 , Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent Most rail passengers in Scotland are still unable to travel, with the last trains on many routes having run on Thursday. ScotRail posted on X (formerly Twitter): 'Work continues to recover the railway from the very significant damage caused by Storm Eowyn. Network Rail Scotland has had teams out since Friday night checking routes for damage and carrying out repair work. 'Network Rail has reported around 400 individual incidents across the network. These include multiple trees on tracks, damaged overhead wires, power supply failures, other objects on the line, and more. 'We have managed to re-open some lines, including between Perth and Inverness, between Inverness and Elgin, between Inverness and Aberdeen, between Dundee and Aberdeen, between Perth and Dundee, between Edinburgh and Tweedbank, between Edinburgh and Dunbar and between Drem and Edinburgh. "But the vast majority of our routes remain closed while Network Rail continues its inspection and repair work. We hope to be able to operate some more services, but significant disruption continues. 'Customers that have been disrupted due to adverse weather can travel with their existing ticket up to and including Tuesday 28 January. Customers can also apply for a fee-free refund on any unused tickets.' 10:49 , Andy Gregory The Met Office has updated its weather warnings, with a total of five alerts either now in force or set to come into effect later on Sunday. A wind warning is in place along the west coast of England, Wales and southwestern Scotland until 5pm on Sunday, with those living west of Plymouth also told to brace for powerful and potentially disruptive winds until 11am, reaching up to 65mph. A further warning is in place overnight as a spell of powerful winds moves northeastwards from the south coast from Sunday evening, while a rain warning covering southern and central England and Wales is in place from 8am on Sunday to 6am on Monday. A further warning for wind has also been issued in Northern Ireland from 10am until 7pm. 10:44 , Andy Gregory Northern Ireland's first minister Michelle O'Neill has described Storm Eowyn and its impact as 'unprecedented on every level', as she and and her deputy Emma Little-Pengelly visited NIE Networks in Craigavon to thank workers. Ms O'Neill said: 'People will continue to work tirelessly to ensure people are reconnected as quickly as possible. 'It is very difficult given the sheer volume of damage that has been caused but we're assured that all the work that can be done is being done and we want to thank the staff for all of their efforts.' 10:29 , Andy Gregory Storm Eowyn has caused damage to more than 100 schools in Northern Ireland. There were also more than 2,300 reported obstructions on the road network, with 70 trees having to be cleared on Friday just to reopen the M2. 10:14 , Andy Gregory Additional engineers have been brought to Northern Ireland from Great Britain to help NIE Networks with the task of restoring power to more than 100,000 properties. Some 52 engineers from England were scheduled to arrive on Saturday, with 30 to be utilised by NIE and 22 to assist ESB Networks in the Irish Republic, and further resources to follow. 10:09 , Andy Gregory 09:55 , Andy Gregory Thousands of properties remain without power in the UK following Storm Eowyn. At about 8am on Sunday, NIE Networks said 101,000 of its customers in Northern Ireland do not have power, and it had been restored to 183,000. By the same time, more than 14,000 SP Energy Networks customers in central and southern Scotland were off-grid. More than 165,000 SP Energy Networks users had been re-connected. 09:37 , Andy Gregory Storm Herminia, as it is being dubbed by Spanish meteorologists, is forecast to hit the south west of England and Wales first and then move into Northern Ireland and northern England on Sunday afternoon, reaching parts of Scotland by the evening. Met Office forecaster Jonathan Vautrey said: 'This is certainly going to be a notch down compared to Eowyn, whilst there is the potential for 60 to 70mph gusts of wind across the very far south west generally, we're not going to be seeing the same strengths of winds as we have seen over the last couple of days.' However 'there are a lot of sensitivities around' following Eowyn, he said. 09:18 , Andy Gregory According to yesterday's weather extremes, published by the Met Office, Kinlochewe in the Highlands experienced more than 31mm of rain, while Benson in Oxfordshire saw temperatures drop as low as -3C. Saturday saw Storm Éowyn clear away from the UK, though rainy conditions continued for someHere are the weather extremes for Saturday 25 January ⬇️ — Met Office (@metoffice) January 26, 2025 09:00 , Shahana Yasmin 08:40 , Andy Gregory Around 35,000 properties in Scotland were still without power on Saturday evening, a spokesperson for the Scottish Government said. Sunday will start 'fine and dry' with a 'decent amount of sunshine' in many parts of the country, meteorologists said. But a new low-pressure system is moving in from the south west bringing further strong winds and heavy rain. 08:19 , Andy Gregory More strong winds and heavy rain are approaching the UK as Storm Eowyn dies down. The last of Eowyn is pushing across the UK overnight and producing snow and ice warnings in parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland. reports: Strong winds and heavy rain approaching UK as Eowyn dies down Saturday 25 January 2025 10:05 , Andy Gregory The young man who died in Ireland after a tree fell during Storm Eowyn has been named as Kacper Dudek. The 20-year-old was killed after a tree fell on his car at Feddyglass, Raphoe in Co Donegal, early on Friday. Irish police are investigating the incident, and were conducting a full examination of the scene on Saturday morning. Holy Cross College in Strabane said on Facebook: 'The Holy Cross College community sends our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of our past student, Kacper Dudek who has sadly passed away. May Kacper's gentle soul rest in peace.'
