By John Baron
Roads have been blocked and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal blocked in at least two places after 50mph winds battered the city this morning.
The severe weather has led to severe disruption for those travelling by rail – with all services either delayed or cancelled – and Leeds Bradford Airport was forced to close due to the high winds caused by Storm Otto.
Some areas have also reported power cuts.
The canal was completely blocked to boats in at least two places near Kirkstall this morning, although the towpath was still passable.
Staff and volunteers from the Canal and Rivers Trust were hard at work sorting out the fallen trees.
There were also reports of fallen trees blocking roads in West Leeds. This one was soon cleared from outside Armley Cemetery:
Trees had also fallen in the Whitehall Road/Granny Lane areas of Farnley and Wortley.
There were also reports of fallen trees in the Broad Lane/Broadlea Terrace and Bell Lane areas of Bramley.
A yellow weather warning from the Met Office is in place until 2pm today (Friday).