Tornado wreaks havoc in neighbouring Tameside as Storm Gerrit hits the north west

Areas of Tameside suffered significant structural damage last night (Wednesday) as a tornado struck.

Stalybridge was particularly badly hit, while the devastating winds also struck in parts of Dukinfield and Mossley.

At around 11.45pm last night, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to numerous reports of significant damage to various properties across Stalybridge.

The damage was caused by what they described as a 'localised tornado'.

GMP declared this as a major incident due to the severity of the damage caused and potential risk to public safety.

From initial enquiries and updates from partners at the North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, there were thankfully been no injuries reported.

Chief Superintendent Mark Dexter from GMP 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 entre their properties which have significant damage until they have been assessed by structural engineers.

“I would also like to urge members of the public to avoid the area where possible and take extra care when travelling in vehicles on the roads in Stalybridge and the surrounding areas, due to debris in the road.

“This has understandably caused some disruption and, though we are not yet in a position to confirm when the area will return to normal, further updates will be communicated when we have them.

"I would like to use this opportunity to thank the community for their cooperation and patience.”

Those affected should monitor Tameside Council social media for advice and guidance or call 0161 342 2222 where council representatives will be on hand to offer support.

The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation released a statement this morning.

It read: "TORRO are aware of reports of significant damage in the broad Dukinfield, Stalybridge and Mossley areas of Tameside (Greater Manchester) during the late evening on Wednesday 27th December 2023, in association with Storm Gerrit.

"Until a detailed site investigation is undertaken, we are unable to confirm if this was caused by a tornado or straight-line winds.

"TORRO are very grateful to members of the public for providing information on damage and eyewitness accounts, which are invaluable in helping the analysis of this event.

"If you have any further information, please get in touch."

The Met Office has said a 'strong rotating updraft' suggests a tornado was 'likely', while Oldham bus company Stotts has warned of disruption to some of its services due to damage caused by the storm.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Stotts said: "Due to the weather and damages caused in the local area, there may be delays and diversions on services that operate within the Stalybridge area."

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