Roofs were torn off homes, trees bumbled down, and walls tumbled as a small “tornado” tore through Greater Manchester during Storm Gerrit.
Police Declare Major Incident:
Authorities in Tameside declared a major incident late on Wednesday due to significant damage and potential public safety risks.
Nearly a hundred homes in the Millbrook and Carrbrook areas of Stalybridge suffered damage, prompting calls for people to avoid the affected zone. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported thus far.
Eyewitness Accounts:
Resident John Spence recounted his harrowing experience, expressing shock at the intensity of the situation.
“I thought the windows were going to come in,” he shared, describing the destruction that included a snapped flagpole and a fallen tree in his garden damaging the conservatory.
Storm Gerrit’s Impact:
Storm Gerrit wreaked havoc across the UK, particularly affecting Scotland, where flooding and travel disruptions were reported.
Met Office weather warnings covered various regions, including the north-west of England, the southern coast, Wales, and Northern Ireland, all experiencing heavy rain and strong winds.
Tornado Speculation:
Weather presenters and the Met Office suggested the damage in Stalybridge might have been caused by a small, short-lived tornado amid a cluster of thunderstorms in Greater Manchester. The limited area affected indicates the tornado’s brief duration.
