Storm Update - 28 Nov 2021, 11am

The response to Storm Arwen continues across South Tyneside.

An extensive clean-up operation is underway following heavy winds and extreme weather conditions since Friday evening.

Teams from across South Tyneside Council and South Tyneside Homes have been working around the clock in an extremely challenging environment.

A number of properties are without power and our partners at Northern Powergrid are working to safely restore power as soon as they can.

Residents are encouraged to look out for each other and check in on neighbours wherever possible.

The Council's first priority is the protection of life, including that of staff and contractors working at the scene. Secondly, the protection of property and assets have been prioritised.

A number of road closures remain in place across the borough. These are necessary to address significant safety concerns and to allow the clean-up of debris by limiting through traffic. Diversions are in place with local access permitted.

A full list of road closures can be found at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/stormarwen which will be updated periodically with the latest information available.

Gritters have been out across the network and will be out throughout the day but driving conditions remain challenging in some places. Advice and guidance is available at https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/38211/Be-prepared but people are encouraged to only travel if absolutely necessary.

Gritting operations will focus on major roads, bus routes and steep banks as well as priority footpaths in shopping areas, around schools and on steps and footbridges with pre-gritting taking place on priority routes as and when the temperature drops. Gritting the Borough's 311km of priority routes takes around 2.5 hours to complete.

Storm Arwen has been an unprecedented weather event. Teams have focused on major issues and ensuring that roads and footpaths are clear for the emergency services. Unless there is a danger to the public or passers-by, residents are advised to liaise with their insurance on more minor issues.

The Council responds wherever there is a report of a fallen tree or branch obstructing or preventing safe use of roads. This is regardless of whether the tree is located on privately owned or council property as the priority is to clear the highway and make it safe.

A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council said: "Whilst we seem to be over the worst of the extreme weather there is a significant clean-up operation still underway with teams working around the clock.

"Emergency incidents should still be reported on the out of hours phone lines. Please be patient and understand that response times to calls will take longer than usual.

"Main roads, footpaths and emergency routes continue to take priority although we hope to be in a position to move to some lower risk incidents later today and from tomorrow. These will be dealt as soon as is practical and the clean-up operation is expected to last into early next week.

"People are reminded to stay at home wherever possible as conditions remain dangerous with widespread ice. Please take care of yourself and each other and check in on neighbours where possible."

People are reminded to take simple steps to protect themselves and others:

• Only make essential journeys and stay home wherever possible. Anyone who does need to go out should take care, remain vigilant and stay safe.
• Do not travel to coastal areas to observe high tides, it risks putting yourself and others in danger.
• Avoid walking near trees as they pose a threat to passers-by.

Incidents can be reported on two out of hours emergency phone numbers:

• 0191 455 6111 - South Tyneside Council

• 0300 123 6633 - South Tyneside Homes

Council staff are on call 24 hours per day 365 days per year to respond to emergencies received out of normal office hours.

For more information, please follow Council social media feeds or visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/stormarwen

For up-to-the-minute public transport information visit www.nexus.org.uk