'Tornado' rips through Greater Manchester town during Storm Gerrit

Over 100 homes have been damaged in Stalybridge in Greater Manchester due to a 'tornado' caused by Storm Gerrit.

The worst affected areas are Millbrook, Carrbrook, and the town centre.

The incident led to a large scale response form emergency services including Police, Ambulance Crews Fire services, Council representatives and teams from Electricity North West.

Calico Crescent in Carrbrook Village saw severe damage, with residents evacuated, while Millbrook faced fallen trees damaging roads and cars. Displaced residents were advised to seek help at Dukinfield Town Hall, and Tesco in Stalybridge became a central meeting point for emergency services.

Now, in the aftermath, chainsaws can be heard slicing fallen tress to help the clean-up effort and to make sure traffic can keep moving.

Chief Superintendent Mark Dexter said:

“This incident has undoubtedly affected numerous people in the Stalybridge area with many residents displaced from their properties during the night.

“Our highest priority is keeping people safe which is why we are advising those who have been displaced not to return or enter their properties which have significant damage until they have been assessed by structural engineers.”

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