Storm Gerrit swept across Wales and parts of the UK, people are struggling with destructive winds, heavy rain, and flooding. The storm, reaching up to 85mph, has left more than 150 homes without power, triggered evacuations in Greater Manchester, and caused disruptions to transportation and daily life.
Also Read: Eastern Australia: At Least 10 Killed After Severe Storms
As Storm Gerrit battered Wales, power outages became a concern, affecting over 140 properties in south and mid Wales.
The worst hit areas include Newport and Pembrokeshire, where 80 and 31 properties are without power, respectively.
Additional outages were reported in Anglesey, Wrexham, Denbighshire, Conwy, Gwynedd, Ceredigion, Caerphilly, and Carmarthenshire.
In Greater Manchester, about 100 homes were evacuated after what has been described as a mini tornado struck parts of Stalybridge.
Tameside Council confirmed the evacuations, stating that affected residents have shelter with family and friends.
The M48 Severn Bridge, a link, remains closed in both directions due to high winds, with operators indicating that it is unlikely to reopen on Thursday.
Rail services faced cancellations, road closures were implemented, and flood warnings to the travel across Wales.
In Scotland, specifically in Aberdeenshire, the village of Tarland experienced power outages overnight. Residents described a cold and dark night.
Also Read: Thailand Flood: Nearly 10,000 Yala and Narathiwat Homes Damaged
The Met Office reported a supercell thunderstorm moving across Lancashire, bringing heavy rain, hail, lightning, and strong winds.
Supercell thunderstorms are known for their capacity to produce severe weather, including tornadoes. Indeed, a mini tornado was reported in Greater Manchester, leading to evacuations and property damage in Stalybridge.
Images and videos captured in the aftermath reveal overturned caravans, damaged roofs, and debris-strewn streets.
The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation is set to conduct a detailed site investigation to confirm whether the damage was caused by a rare British tornado.
Storm Gerrit persist, with ongoing power outages affecting rural areas in Scotland, particularly in the northeast and Shetland.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) indicated that weather conditions, blocked roads, and multiple points of damage have slowed down restoration efforts. Welfare vans have been deployed to provide hot food and drinks to affected areas.
In Wales, the Met Office issued warnings of heavy showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds continuing in certain regions. Flood alerts and warnings remain in place.
In Scotland, particularly in rural communities such as Tarland, Aberdeenshire, residents faced a cold and dark night without power.
Also Read: Beijing Records its Longest Cold Wave Since 1951
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) have been working to restore power, deploying welfare vans to provide hot food and drinks to affected areas.
Transportation infrastructure has borne the brunt of Storm Gerrit, with the closure of the M48 Severn Bridge, disruption to train services, and road closures.
The weather conditions led to the closure of the Mermaid Quay boardwalk in Cardiff Bay, which is expected to reopen as conditions improve.
The Met Office has reported a supercell thunderstorm moving across Lancashire, bringing heavy rain, hail, frequent lightning, and strong, gusty winds.
Such storms have the potential to produce severe weather, including damaging winds and even tornadoes. The characteristics of supercell thunderstorms, such as a rotating updraft called a mesocyclone.
Images reveal the destruction of homes, with residents evacuated for safety reasons. The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation are investigating the possibility of a rare British tornado, while the Met Office attributes the tornado to a supercell thunderstorm.
Rural communities in Scotland, including Shetland, face power outages, with some areas expected to remain without power until Friday.
Also Read: China Earthquake: Over 120 Dead and Hundreds Injured
