Major incident in Suffolk stood down as response to Storm Eunice aftermath continues

The major incident declared in Suffolk yesterday has been stood down as the response to the effects of Storm Eunice continues.

Partners in the Suffolk Resilience Forum, including councils, health bodies, utility companies and the emergency services, made the decision this morning.

The declaration, which formalised joint-working and resource sharing arrangements, will now stop while agencies and authorities continue with clearing the roads of trees, reconnecting people to power and ensuring Suffolk’s residents are safe.

Suffolk's Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey, who leads the Resilience Forum’s Strategic Co-ordination Group, said: “Whilst we have stood down the major incident, there is still much work to do across Suffolk.

"An incredible amount of work has happened and continues to take place to ensure our residents get access to power, and can get around the county freely.

“Although the weather has calmed down, we encourage everyone to take extra care when out and about today.”

Since the storm hit, Suffolk Highways has responded to more than 195 incidents and the majority were fallen trees, with about 52 issues outstanding.

Other road closures are in place for issues such as fallen power lines.

UK Power Networks is working to restore power to about 9,000 customers in Suffolk.