A bungalow on Lynmouth Avenue in Oldham was struck by a falling tree as Storm Claudia battered the UK on Friday, November 14. The incident is part of widespread disruption caused by the storm, which has brought heavy rain and high winds across the country.
Earlier, residents in Bollington, Cheshire, were forced to evacuate their homes after a tree fell onto properties and knocked down power lines. The storm has also severely affected transport networks, with trains and Metrolink services disrupted by fallen trees.
The Met Office has issued amber 'danger to life' flood warnings for two UK regions, including Wales, Yorkshire and Humber. The warning area has been expanded northwards across the East Midlands and Lincolnshire. Forecasters predict 40-60 mm of rain widely, with some areas seeing around 80 mm.
In Greater Manchester, three flood alerts are now in place: on the River Mersey near Tameside, areas including Bramhall, Stockport, Sale, Altrincham and Urmston, and the River Bollin catchment covering Knutsford, Wilmslow, Macclesfield and Bollington. Flooding is possible due to rising river levels.
Storm Claudia is expected to ease overnight, with more rain forecast for Greater Manchester on Saturday but less severe winds. The storm, named by the Spanish Meteorological Service, has also forced the closure of Lapland Manchester due to safety risks from high winds.
