Overnight storm causes havoc

Tree damaged by the overnight storm near Broadfield Park

Strong gusts of wind caused potentially dangerous damage to a tree near Broadfield Park earlier today (31 March). The incident at Old Graveyard at Church Stile, Rochdale, involved a tree which had been blown over by strong winds.

Gusts of 50-60 mph occurred in places today, with stormy showers and isolated gusts of up to around 70 mph.

Rochdale Council workers were out all night and report that there are a number of incidents that they are still dealing with.

In another incident in the early hours of this morning, firefighters attended flooding in Littleborough at around 1.00am after houses were swamped with water. They spent over an hour clearing water from five houses on Calder Avenue in the heavy rain and wind of up to 70mph.

Firefighters were busy overnight pumping out water from other flooded buildings and making homes safe again after the severe weather swept through Greater Manchester.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager Tony Hunter said: “Winds are expected to pick up again in Greater Manchester today so please remove items such as gazebos and climbing frames from outdoors or secure them down.

“Only call 999 in an emergency – there may be other services you can call, for example, your local council, highways agency, local builders, or TV engineers.

“And please take extra care on the roads during heavy rain and strong winds and only drive if you really have to.”