People are being warned not to travel to the North Yorkshire coast unless absolutely necessary.
In Scarborough, Marine Drive was closed today (Friday, October 20) due to overlapping seawater and street furniture being blown around in the high winds of Storm Babet.
A decision has also been made to cancel this evening’s two shows at Scarborough Spa as Spa Road will be closed due to the risk of overtopping. The cliff lift is also out of action because of the high winds.
HM Coastguard’s Network Commander said: “We are urging people in the strongest possible terms to stay away from the coast.
“We would encourage people to stay away from the water’s edge – it’s not worth risking your life for ‘that selfie’. Keep off groynes, piers, jetties and harbour walls. If you can feel the spray, you’re too close.
“Stay away from cliffs, as periods of intense rainfall can make cliff edges more vulnerable and likely to collapse, you do not want to be nearby if that happens.
“If you do get into trouble or believe anybody to be in difficulty at the coast or at sea, please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director for environment, Karl Battersby, said: “We are strongly urging people not to travel to the coast unless their journey is essential.
“Anyone who must travel should take extra care, check the weather forecast and tides, under no circumstances drive through flood water and heed any warning signs.
“Do not ignore road closures and do not remove warning signs. They are there to protect you and other members of the public. Removing them can put lives at risk.”
North Yorkshire Council’s assistant director for environmental services Michael Leah said: “We are closely monitoring the situation regarding the former Marine Residence Hotel that was destroyed by fire on Belmont Road in Scarborough earlier this year.
“A number of people are being moved to safety due to concerns regarding the continuing risks relating to high winds and potential debris.
“We are also appealing to people to stop moving the barriers on Belmont and Ramshill Roads. Anyone doing so is putting themselves at risk.”