Severe havoc unfolded in Greater Manchester during Storm Gerrit as a fierce phenomenon akin to a tornado ripped through, leaving a trail of destruction. The tempest resulted in roofs torn off

houses, trees uprooted, and walls crumbling in what authorities described as a "localised tornado" hitting Tameside.

The situation escalated swiftly, prompting the police to declare a major incident in Tameside due to the extensive damage and potential threats to public safety. Specifically, the Millbrook and Carrbrook areas of Stalybridge bore the brunt of the chaos, with approximately a hundred homes suffering damage.

Despite the widespread destruction, there were no reported injuries, a stroke of fortune amidst the chaos. John Spence, a resident of Carrbrook, vividly recounted the harrowing experience, expressing his disbelief and fear during the ordeal. He recounted how the force of the storm snapped his flagpole and felled a tree in his backyard, crashing onto his conservatory.

Storm Gerrit's impact extended beyond Stalybridge, with Scotland experiencing severe flooding and disrupted travel. Met Office warnings blanketed various regions, including the north-west of England, the southern coast, Wales, and Northern Ireland, cautioning residents about heavy rain and relentless winds.

Emergency response teams swung into action across Tameside, mobilizing fire and ambulance crews, along with officials from Electricity North West and local councils. The establishment of a rest center at Dukinfield Town Hall aimed to provide assistance to affected residents.

Greater Manchester Police attributed the damage to a localized tornado, emphasizing the importance of safety amid the chaos. Chief Superintendent Mark Dexter urged caution, advising displaced residents to refrain from returning or entering damaged properties until structural engineers assessed the extent of the destruction. He emphasized the need for public cooperation, urging people to avoid the affected area and exercise vigilance due to debris on roads, acknowledging the disruption caused while awaiting updates on the return to normalcy. Photo by Martin Clark / Carrbrook, Stalybridge / CC BY-SA 2.0., Wikimedia commons.