Schools in Necton, Watlington and Marshland St James forced to close by Storm Eunice impact

Three village schools in our area are closed today because of disruption caused by recent high winds of Storm Eunice.

Officials at the primaries in Necton and Watlington say the moves there are because of structural damage, while power cuts have forced the Marshland St James Primary to shut.

Meanwhile, a flood alert remains in place for the morning high tides along Hunstanton's seafront and rail passengers are again being urged not to travel.

A yellow Met Office weather warning remains in force this morning, although it is now only effective until 1pm this afternoon, instead of 3pm.

The strongest gusts are expected in the next couple of hours before gradually easing throughout the day.

In an update posted on its website, Necton school leaders said structural damage was caused during Storm Eunice on Friday.

The statement continued: "A wooden canopy that was fixed to the side of the building, next to our library, has been ripped off in the high winds.

"This has caused damage to the side of the building, parts of the school roof above the library, and there is a lot of debris left. This whole area is currently, not safe for use.

"Although a small area of the school has suffered damage, this has had a significant impact as to how the school will be able to run safely for all children, and so we need to wait until all safety assessments are completed.

"We will update you as soon as possible, on Monday, about what will be happening from Tuesday 22nd February."

Officials at Watlington have also reported damage to their building, while the Marshland St James Primary currently has no power or phone lines.

Elsewhere, a flood alert remains in place from the Environment Agency, because of the risk of large waves overtopping along Hunstanton's seafront during the period around this morning's high tide.

The agency says further alerts may also be needed later, though the situation is being monitored.

No major problems related to the weather are being reported on the roads so far, though police have warned drivers to take care because of the risk of fallen trees and power lines.

Train operator Great Northern is urging passengers not to travel and services from Lynn are only running as far as Cambridge.

And around 200 residents are affected by power cuts across West Norfolk, though disruption appears to be less severe than during Storm Eunice.