Hurricane-force winds are bringing chaos across South Cheshire with roads and railways blocked, buildings damaged, and “danger to life” warnings issued.
Trees have blown over on several routes around Nantwich and Crewe station has been evacuated after part of the roof blew off.
Trees have been blown down on the A51 near Stapeley in Nantwich, and one tree was blown onto a car near Reaseheath College. Both roads are now shut.
The A534 near Acton has now reopened after a tree had been blown over earlier, blocking the route.
Crewe railway station has been evacuated and closed after winds damaged the station roof and sparked a blaze.
A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: “It’s not the whole roof – but a portion which has been damaged causing falling debris.
“Opening the station will be joint decision by Virgin Trains and emergency services, but will only happen when damage is fully inspected and safe.”
Crewe fire station is also reported to be damaged.
Reports suggest a tree down has come down at the Cheerbrook traffic lights in Nantwich. Both lanes are blocked, traffic is slowly passing over the pavement.
A tree near the Peacock roundabout at Willaston is also down, and trees are partially blocking Broad Lane in Stapeley.
Many houses have suffered roof, fence and shed damage, and large trampolines have been blown out of gardens.
Earlier, forecasters issued a “red warning” of hurricane force 12 winds for Cheshire and the North West – the most serious alert which means a serious danger to life.
The high winds are expected to peak in Cheshire around 6pm but will remain strong until around 9pm.
The Thelwall Viaduct on the M6 has also been shut in both directions.
Motorists are advised to allow more time for journeys as roads may be congested as a result of closures or diversions.
Cheshire Police Supt Beverley Raistrick is overseeing the police response to the extreme weather.
Supt Raistrick said: “Police advice is to be mindful of the unusually high winds that Cheshire is experiencing, and take action.
“This may be delaying a non essential journey to another day, or considering your route home from work – is it the right route for today, or should you consider an alternative?
“Similarly, make sure that you have some basic essentials in your car should you be delayed – this could be a fully charged mobile phone to let people know you are delayed but safe, a blanket, or a bottle of water.
“Cheshire Police is working closely with our partners to do as much as we can to keep the communities of Cheshire safe – however, we need the communities to work with us too.”
Police are advising the public only to ring 999 in an emergency – to ensure those that need an urgent response can get through.
An emergency would include a situation where there is a threat of harm or a threat to life, a crime is in progress, or police assistance is required immediately.
Non emergency calls should be made using 101.
(Pic 1: Crewe station damage courtesy of @Crewe_Nantwich)
(Pic 2: Trees blocking A51 London Road in Nantwich courtesy of reader Lorraine Batley)
The power went off on queens drive about 5:30. Went out in search of food at 7pm!