More than 275 trees toppled across Norfolk as a result of Storm Eunice

Published: 10:50, 25 February 2022

| Updated: 10:52, 25 February 2022

More than 275 trees had to be cleared from Norfolk’s roads last week after Storm Eunice wreaked havoc across the county last week.

Like much of the country, Norfolk was hit by three storms in quick succession, with Storm Dudley followed by storms Eunice and Franklin.

Winds reached over 80mph in many areas, with travel disruption, power outages and damage to buildings. On Monday morning, more than 1,300 homes in Suffolk and more than 370 in Norfolk were still without power.

A tree toppled on Heywood Road, in DIss. Picture: Lorraine Collett (55118763)

The fire service received 130 emergency calls related to Storm Eunice on Friday and attended a total of 61 incidents.

Pictures emerged of trees strewn across busy roads throughout the Diss Express area in one of the windiest weekends on record.

A trampoline blown into the road on Factory Lane, in Diss. Picture: Jordan McRickus (55118757)

Tim Edwards, interim chief fire officer at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As a service, we are prepared for extreme conditions and these storms have highlighted the strength of our teams in working together and responding to emergencies across Norfolk to ensure the safety of the public.

“We would also thank the public for heeding safety advice and preventing further incidents on our roads and in our communities.”

Robbie Bartram, from Bartram's services, helped clear a tree from the Fairstead Lane, near Long Stratton. Picture: Robbie Bartram (55118755)

It was not just the emergency services that found themselves overloaded, with Kristian Garnham, who runs Waveney Tree Specialists, kept exceptionally busy.

“The last couple days have been eventful,” he said on Monday. “We had trees that had fallen on to roads, people’s properties, fences, gardens – it’s been hectic.

Waveney Tree Specialists were called out to over a dozen incidents over the weekend, including a tree falling on a house. Picture: Waveney Tree Specialists (55118765)

“In the 17 years I’ve been doing this, it’s probably in the top three busiest weekends.”

During a council meeting on Monday, Norfolk County Council leader Andrew Proctor praised the response to the storms.

A tree blocking the road near Winfarthing. Picture: Jordan McRickus (55118759)

“We want to thank the emergency services, volunteers and everyone who worked so hard over the past few days to keep us safe,” he said. “Many of them were working in treacherous conditions but they stuck to the task and did an outstanding job. We should all be proud of the manner in which Norfolk rose to the occasion.”

Accidents Diss Human Interest Weather Joe Hadden