Flights divert to Liverpool John Lennon Airport due to high winds as Storm Lilian hits UK

Three flights were diverted to Liverpool John Lennon Airport today as Storm Lilian battered the country. The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind from 5am until 11am today, Friday, August 23.

Forecasters warned the storm may lead to disruption to travel and infrastructure this morning, as well as "danger to life from flying debris". Yorkshire was particularly affected by the weather. The organisers of Leeds festival issued an urgent weather warning this morning about the conditions on what is the second day of the festival, due to be headlined this year by Liam Gallagher, Blink 182 and Fred Again..

The alert said: “Everybody can see and feel that we’re suffering from the winds currently. We’re urging you to stay in your tents if you are onsite and feel safe to do so.

“If you are in your car, please remain there. If you are not yet at the festival site, please delay your arrival. We’re expecting it to ease up at 10am and we will update you in 30 minutes. Your safety is our number one priority. Remember to look out for each other.”

While Merseyside was also affected by the storm, air traffic was not severely disrupted at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. A spokesperson for the airport confirmed that three flights due to land at Leeds Bradford Airport flew to Speke instead.

A spokesperson told the ECHO: “The storm thankfully didn’t cause any operational issues here, however we have seen some flights diverted to Liverpool due to problems elsewhere, with three flights arriving from Belfast City, Palma and Dublin, that were due to land at Leeds Bradford Airport but couldn’t due to high winds. Passengers have subsequently been coached from here to Leeds Bradford Airport.”

The opening of the main arena at Leeds Festival today was delayed but opened at 3pm. The opening of the Creamfields North camping site in Daresbury, Cheshire was also delayed.

In a post on its website at 7.25am, the organisers said: “Due to the high wind conditions onsite, there will be a delay to public arenas and gates opening.

“For customers who have already arrived on site today, please remain in your vehicles for safety until gates open. We expect the high winds to pass by mid morning. Please follow our social channels and app notifications for updates. Thanks for your patience.

“Important information for all campers on site regarding weather conditions that are expected onsite during the early hours of Friday morning.

“The forecast indicates high gusts of wind and we want to ensure that you’re prepared and aware of the safety measures in place. The high winds are currently only forecast to last for the morning.”

A further update at 11.38am said: “The high winds have eased as forecasted. We’re pleased to confirm the gates are now open for campers arriving today and gates will open on time today and gates will be open on time as scheduled for day ticket holders.”

Merseyrail services between West Kirby and Hoylake were disrupted due to a fallen tree on the track. Trains stopped calling at Port Sunlight station due to a fallen tree there too. There were also delays on the northern line, with services between Hall Road and Hunts Cross disrupted.

Several roads have been closed due to fallen trees too, including Lower Lane in Fazakerley. Merseyside Police issued a warning to drivers travelling on motorways in the region. They have said "slow down, avoid exposed stretches of motorway and delay travel".