Storm Claudia forced the evacuation of Lapland UK's newly opened attraction at Capesthorne Hall near Macclesfield after falling trees posed a safety risk. Tram services were suspended between Whitefield–Bury and Westwood–Newton Heath & Moston, and rail lines between Manchester Airport and Piccadilly were blocked, with delays of up to 30 minutes expected until about 20:30 GMT. The Environment Agency issued flood alerts for parts of the North West, and emergency teams rescued motorists and evacuated three homes after separate tree falls.
Storm Claudia Forces Evacuation of New Lapland UK Attraction at Capesthorne Hall
Storm Claudia forced the evacuation of Lapland UK's newly opened attraction at Capesthorne Hall near Macclesfield after falling trees posed a safety risk. Tram services were suspended between Whitefield–Bury and Westwood–Newton Heath & Moston, and rail lines between Manchester Airport and Piccadilly were blocked, with delays of up to 30 minutes expected until about 20:30 GMT. The Environment Agency issued flood alerts for parts of the North West, and emergency teams rescued motorists and evacuated three homes after separate tree falls.
11:02 PM, 11/14/2025Environment
Lapland site evacuated as Storm Claudia batters north-west England
Visitors were moved from the newly opened Lapland UK Christmas attraction at Capesthorne Hall, near Macclesfield, after Storm Claudia brought down trees and caused widespread travel disruption across the north-west of England.
The company behind the festive experience had only opened its second venue on Thursday and was expecting large visitor numbers. Organisers of Lapland Manchester said severe weather and falling trees meant guests were evacuated as a precaution and the site was closed earlier in the day.
Transport disruption
Storm damage led to cancellations and suspensions of tram and train services after lines were blocked or damaged by fallen trees. In Greater Manchester, tram services were suspended between Whitefield and Bury, and between Westwood and Newton Heath & Moston. Transport for Greater Manchester said engineers were working on both sites to repair the damage.
A fallen tree also blocked all rail lines between Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly. TransPennine Express warned of delays of up to 30 minutes, with disruption expected until around 20:30 GMT.
Flood alerts and local incidents
The Environment Agency issued warnings that rising river levels could cause flooding in low-lying parts of the North West. The alert covers the River Mersey catchment in south Greater Manchester and upland areas around the Goyt and Tame, affecting towns including Hyde, Ashton-under-Lyne, Denton, Stalybridge and Glossop. Similar alerts apply to the River Ditton at Widnes, the River Gowy at Frodsham, the River Alt at Formby, and parts of the Wirral.
Earlier the same day emergency crews rescued people from vehicles after a tree fell in Macclesfield, and three houses were evacuated following a separate fallen tree in Bollington, Cheshire.
"The safety of our visitors and staff is paramount, and we cannot operate while there is any risk of injury to the public," a Lapland UK spokesperson said. Families with cancelled tickets will be contacted and the venue will reopen "as soon as it is safe to do so."
Readers are advised to check travel updates with Transport for Greater Manchester, local rail operators and the Environment Agency before travelling.