Storm brings down trees on West Leeds roads and canal

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:

Mother Earth is showing her teeth this morning

Avoid Green hill road outside the Cemetery in Bramley,Leeds a tree is blocking both directions

It’s a bit windy to the chopper out to get any more updates 🚁 😉https://t.co/TofchHvGxp pic.twitter.com/BNJc1M3EKz

— The Waste Team Leeds (@WasteTeamLeeds) February 17, 2023

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).