Moment hotel COLLAPSES into Storm Ciara flood waters as 97mph gales batter Britain – The Sun
A HOTEL has been destroyed by Storm Ciara after collapsing into flood waters amid ferocious winds.
An entire wall collapsed at Sonia’s Bistro and Bridge House B&B in the Scottish Borders as it was battered by the storm.
Several flood warnings were issued for the Borders and the hotel, on the banks of the River Teviot, in Hawick, had a back wall completely blown off and washed away.
Footage shows the brick work crumbling away to expose the inside of the building with what appears to be a kitchen area clearly visible.
It's understood nobody was in the building at the time and there are no reported injuries.
One Facebook post said: "Absolutely gutted for everyone at Sonia’s Bistro and Bridge House B&B.
"Thankfully the place was already evacuated and there are no reported injuries, but livelihoods will be affected. Unreal.
"When the time comes we need to rally round like never before and show that true Teri spirit."
A number of the hotel's guests and staff were seen spilling onto the street as emergency services worked to evacuate the building.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "At around 9.30am, police in Hawick were made aware of structural damage to the Bridge House Guest House. Officers attended and assisted the fire service at the scene.
"The building has been evacuated and there has been no injuries."
It came amid UK-wide evacuations as "Storm of the Century" Ciara wreaks havoc sparking blackouts, flooding, causing a hotel to collapse and grounding flights with 97mph gales today.
People were rescued from their homes by boat after parts of Lancashire were flooded as Storm Ciara sweeps across the country.
A train full of passengers crashed into a tree in Swanley, Kent after it blew onto tracks.
No-one was injured but the incident sparked major delays.
Several properties in Whalley – which was hit by the Boxing Day floods in 2015 – have been evacuated as well as homes in Blackpool.
Residents in Whalley were evacuated in inflatable boats as flood water reached more than 18ins (45cm), while several cars were submerged.
'DANGER TO LIFE'
People were taken to Whalley and Billington Brass Band Working Men's Club.
Blackpool Council said flooded properties in Queen Victoria Road were evacuated and about 15 people were being looked after in an emergency rest centre.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service's chief fire officer Justin Johnston said a major incident had been declared and urged people not to travel unless "absolutely necessary".
Elsewhere red "danger to life" warning for severe flooding has been issued for the River Nidd at Pateley Bridge in North Yorkshire.
Brits have today battened down the hatches as heavy rain and gale winds lashed the country, causing flash flooding and sending debris flying with 33,000 homes left without power.
The highest wind speed of the day has been recorded at The Needles off the Isle of Wight with gusts of 97mph, the Met Office said.
The M11 has been shut in both directions in Cambridgeshire amid fears an airport hangar's damaged roof will be blown onto the lanes.
It is closed at Duxford airfield, which is also home to IWM Duxford, between junctions 9 and 10.
The town of Appleby-in-Westmorland in Cumbria was hit by severe flooding as the River Eden burst its banks, with residents battling to protect their homes.
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