Doris caused a storm in county

Highways chiefs responded to more than 330 emergency call-outs because of Storm Doris on Thursday.
readers pic Michael Greenhalgh storm dorisreaders pic Michael Greenhalgh storm doris
readers pic Michael Greenhalgh storm doris

From fallen trees and branches to collapsed light columns, Herts County Council’s roads contractor Ringway had 800 calls overall from the police, motorists and residents.

And a number of roads had to be closed to traffic, including the A10 which was shut from five hours because of the risk of high winds to high-sided vehicles.

The priority was to clear blocked roads and to make them safe, meaning many sites may still have trees that have been cut up and left safety at the side of the road and on verges this week. Crews will follow this up over the coming days with vehicles being sent out to collect debris.

Terry Douris, cabinet member for highways at County Hall, said: “This is was an extreme and rare weather event and our highways teams have worked around the clock to keep roads moving and people safe.

“I appreciate many residents’ journeys would have been impacted yesterday evening and their understanding and patience while we worked to keep road users out of harm’s way is greatly appreciated.”

Kevin Carrol, Ringway divisional manager, said: “I’d like to thank our colleagues working on the network and in the transport control centre who have gone over and above, working extra hours to make sure Herts remained safe.”

Storm Doris’ severe gusts of winds were caused by a phenomenon known as a ‘weather bomb’ - a very intense area of low pressure which ‘explodes’ when it travels underneath a powerful jet stream.

The busiest time for highways teams was between 2-4pm when they received 170 calls regarding fallen trees.

If you see any highways issues email www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/highwayfaults

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