Storm damage to solar panels closes road near Newton Aycliffe
2025Published 28 Sept 2026
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What happened
Storm Éowyn damaged solar panels at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre in County Durham. The centre closed briefly while Durham County Council assessed the damage and reopened on 28 January 2025. The main doors stayed closed while the storm damage was addressed, and a short section of Greenwell Road was closed to vehicles and pedestrians for public safety.
Contributing factors
Storm Éowyn brought high winds to the North East, with winds of up to 96 mph reported across the region. The source does not state the wind speed at the leisure centre or how the panels were damaged.
Lessons learned
- Solar panels on public buildings can be damaged in severe storms and may affect access below.
- After storm damage, assess the site before reopening and keep unsafe entrances closed.
- Close nearby roads or paths where damaged panels could endanger people, and tell visitors which access remains open.
Source
Published 2026-09-28. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.