Storms batter Rochdale

Uprooted tree at The Strand, Kirkholt

Last nights (Wednesday 12 February) storms have battered areas across Greater Manchester, including Rochdale after winds of over 60mph hit.

Across Rochdale, reports were made of fallen trees, fallen lamp posts, falling roof tiles and road closures.

Rochdale Council received reports of a number of incidents throughout the evening. It was reported that wooden boards that were lying on some land had blown into Albert Royds Street.

A sheet of timber had been blown onto Market Place, Heywood and was lying in the middle of the road.

A fallen chimney stack on Corbett Street was reported to the council and reports of corrugated iron falling from Newgate House were also reported.

Rochdale Council also received reports of 40 tress that had been blown down. 11 of those were across roads. Workers from the council were out until 1am clearing what they could of the fallen trees and are continuing with the clean up today.

The council also received information that a tree had blown down and was leaning on a house on Broadhalgh Road, Rochdale.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council added: “Yesterday’s windy weather caused some disruption across the borough leading to road closures and falling trees. We worked hard to keep our residents safe, clearing away any dislodged debris including timber sheets, roof tiles and tree trunks. If residents spot anything that needs clearing, they can email environmental.management@rochdale.gov.uk ”

Greater Manchester police have reported that they received more than 1,700 calls in seven hours from across Greater Manchester due to the bad weather. Incidents peaked between 4pm and 7pm when the control room received more than 800 calls.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: "Yesterday was a very challenging day for everyone in Greater Manchester - including ourselves as police officers, other emergency services and not least the people living and working in Manchester who were caught up in the gale force winds that hit the region.

"As a result, we saw a large surge in the number of 999 and 101 calls made to Greater Manchester Police asking for our assistance in dealing with weather-related incidents.

"I would firstly like to pay tribute to the officers and staff from all the emergency services who worked tirelessly throughout the evening to keep the people of Greater Manchester safe. To date, we have not received any reports of anyone suffering serious injuries as a direct result of the bad weather.

"I would also like to commend the patience shown by commuters caught up in long delays on our roads and public transport. Undoubtedly it was a very frustrating day for them but I hope they can understand that ensuring their safety is our number one priority and that is why we had to close certain roads.

"We have also seen the devastation caused by bad weather and flooding in other areas of the country and I’m sure people living in Manchester will be sending their thoughts and sympathies to those who have suffered so badly. While the weather is expected to be better today, I would urge motorists in Manchester to take extra care while driving until the adverse conditions completely subside."

It is understood that most of the road closures were lifted at midnight.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service received 400 phone calls from across Greater Manchester with their busiest period being between 5pm and 7pm when the control room received over 200 calls. Reports included fallen trees, loose roof tiles and fallen chimney stacks.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: “We are thanking people for listening to our advice yesterday and would continue with that advice if this is to happen again.”

Advice from the fire service included only travel if necessary and plan journeys before heading out, bring in items from outside and tie down any large children’s toys or garden furniture.

Weather reports for tomorrow (Friday 14 February) state that Rochdale will be dry and bright for most of the morning but cloud will increase from the south brining rain and strong winds by midday. Hill snow is also likely.