Storm Clodagh breaks North Sea DFDS ferry on River Tyne free from mooring

The storm brought 70mph gales, causing some local authorities to put off turning on Christmas lights

Storm Clodagh battered Northern Ireland yesterday (YouTube/Mashup Mark)

A massive ship was blown away from its mooring on the River Tyne as Storm Clodagh beared down on the North-east, bringing with it 70mph.

The DFDS ferry, Princess Seaways, was due to leave North Shields for Amsterdam at 5pm but was delayed due to poor weather conditions. DFDS confirmed on Twitter this morning it departed just after 3am.

The Met Office has issued flood alerts and warnings as Storm Clodagh shifts from strong winds to heavy rain. Yellow flood warnings have been issued for Wales and the north of England for the next two days, with three to five inches of rainfall expected.

Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: “We have a band of rain across central and southern parts of the UK, particularly heavy across Wales. It will continue to move slowly northwards as we go into the afternoon.”

Southern Scotland and Northern Ireland will experience snow in some places and wintry showers, leading to slushy conditions today.

There could be some snowfall across northern England on higher ground. Coastal areas of the South-west can expect gusts of wind up to 50mph.

The Belfast Telegraph reported yesterday organisers were forced to cancel a Chrismas market in Magherafelt. ECB Networks worked to restore power after more than 6,000 customers were affected by electricity cuts because of the storm.

Several local authorities were forced to cancel their Christmas lights switch-ons due to the blustery winds. East Ayrshire, Bognor Regis and Portsmouth were among the towns cancelling events.