Storm Darragh latest: Road blocked by fallen tree near Worden Park and Preston parkrun cancelled

The fallen tree blocking Worden Lane between the park gates and Fox Lane turn Pic: Natalee Edwards

Trees have begun to fall as Storm Darragh begins to blow into Preston and the surrounding area.

Worden Lane is closed due to a fallen tree close to the entrance to the park.

South Ribble Police are understood to be on the scene diverting traffic as of just before 10pm on Friday (6 December).

Events are starting to be postponed or cancelled as a result of the weather with Preston parkrun confirming they would not be going ahead with the usual Saturday morning run in Avenham and Miller Park.

The Saturday (7 December) run is off due to the weather but also ‘obstacles’ in the park which are due to the upcoming Fire Garden event.

A spokesperson for parkrun said: “There are a number of obstacles that are now on the course (that we were not told about) in support of the Fire Garden event. Whilst some may get moved, they still represent obstacles to be navigated and that, together with the worsening weather (the storm is moving north a bit), and the fact that volunteers must travel to the event, make it necessary to cancel tomorrows run.

“This is obviously regrettable, but you have all seen the forecast and when we put that together with obstacles on the course, plus other debris that may emerge overnight, this is the safe course of action for both volunteers and participants. Safety continues to be our priority not just during the event but to minimise travel in poor weather and minimise risk for the volunteers setting up and running the event in difficult conditions. Thanks for your understanding.”

Meanwhile the Fire Garden event, held by Preston City Council, is still due to go ahead during Saturday afternoon and evening although the council said it was keeping a close eye on the weather.

Storm Darragh is expected to bring gusts of up to 70mph-80mph to the city and surrounding areas with the Met Office issuing an amber weather warning.

The warning is in force from 1am to 9pm on Saturday, with a strong winds warning for lower-level winds already in place from Friday afternoon.

Heavy rain is also expected throughout Saturday.

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