Storm Boelo Fells Trees and Cuts Power Across North West

Storm Boelo has brought down trees, damaged cars and cut electricity to thousands of homes as it crosses the North West. Gusts of more than 70mph have been recorded in many areas, and large waves have battered the coast.

SP Electricity North West said nearly 4,000 homes had lost power, including more than 500 in Blackpool and 200 in Wigan. Electricity North West gave its own figures: 2,500 homes in Lancashire, 900 in Greater Manchester and 500 in Merseyside.

A tree through the sunroof

In Heysham, Lancashire, a tree fell onto the car of grandmother Lisa Roberts, who was left in tears. She told BBC Radio Lancashire that her family had just sat down to watch Strictly when there was an "almighty noise". Her husband went outside and found the tree had landed on the car. "It smashed through the sunroof and the windscreen," she said. Nobody was hurt. Her five-year-old grandson, she added, had remarked earlier that the tree was going to fall over.

In Manchester, trees were uprooted in Alexandra Park, and a fallen tree blocked Mauldeth Road in Burnage.

Events called off

Aintree racecourse on Merseyside abandoned its Halloween Fun Day because of high winds, after recording gusts of up to 44mph. The racecourse said the safety of participants, visitors and teams was its number one priority. Visit Liverpool cancelled its River of Light event, which features illuminated artworks, "in the interests of safety". Bates pumpkin farm in Warrington, Cheshire, closed for the day, saying that "50mph gusts are not safe to be on the farm".

The Met Office said Storm Boelo could bring a danger to life from flying debris and crashing waves, and advised people to stay indoors as much as possible.

Trams in Blackpool were cancelled because of heavy rain and high winds. Avanti West Coast advised passengers not to travel north of Preston. TransPennine Express said a tree had fallen on the line between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly, causing major delays.

Source: BBC News