THE gales battering Greater Manchester have brought widespread disruption with reports of trees being blown down in Bowdon, Sale, Altrincham and Timperley.

  • GM Police and GM Fire and Rescue Service said the winds had started to calm down by 9.30pm but urged people to continue to take care.
  • High winds forced Chill Factore to close early with reports of damage to its roof. It is the second time this winter the attraction has been affected by high winds.
  •  People were stranded inside Chill Factore for safety reasons were finally allowed to leave at around 8pm. Joe Sandbach tweeted at 8,30pm: "Finally been freed from the Chill Factore after been escorted out by 2 police officers and a firefighter!" #keen #safetyfirst
  • Scottish Power Energy Networks has told customers who have lost their electricity supply they are continuing to work to restore power high winds and travel disruptions are causing delays. A spokesman said: "We appreciate your patience."
  • Greater Manchester Fire ‏@manchesterfire said an external staircase has collapsed in the Old Trafford area. People trapped have been trapped on the second and third floors but no injuries have been reported.#
  • A spokesman for Greater Manchester fire said the service had received least 350 calls since 5pm, no serious injuries reported. They advise securing loose items outside (bins) & think twice about travel
  • First TransPennine has announced that due to damage at Manchester Airport, no trains will call at the airport and all trains will start or terminate at Piccadilly.
  • Cllr Cllr Laura Evans ‏has reported three trees are down on Belmont Road, Hale.
  • Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has said that among the incidents in the last hour has been a 60ft tree falling onto a house in Sale.
  • Bus operator Stagecoach has advised their bus services are running but may be delayed due to local diversions to avoid fallen trees and traffic.
  • Northern Rail reported that due to poor weather at Warrington Central, services are currently suspended between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Oxford Road.
  • The M60 and M6 were both closed because of high winds. The M6 was also had a tree in the carriageway.
  • Manchester Metrolink ‏@MCRMetrolink has advised passengers that updates on its service are available through the night on its website for further information: http://ow.ly/tyYoF

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