Storm Lilian has caused chaos across Lancashire today (August 23), causing trees to fall down, roads to close and dozens of homes to be without power.
A yellow weather warning for strong winds was in force from 5am until 11am. The public was warned to expect disruption to travel and infrastructure.
One lane was closed on the M65, between junction 11 for Burnley and junction 12 for Nelson, due to a fallen tree and reports of an accident. Police said no one was injured in the crash.
There were several reports of fallen trees across the borough, with members of the public sharing images.
Barden Lane in Burnley was closed due to several fallen trees.
Julie Berry urged the public to avoid Mercer Park in Clayton-Le-Moors, which was difficult to access due to fallen trees.
Trees fell over on Grange Road. One tree fell on a car and other images show a stone wall which was knocked over due to an uprooted tree.
Some gardens did not go unscathed.
A Barnoldswick woman shared pictures of her garden, on Esp Lane, which has been destroyed by Storm Lilian.
Marian Fraser shared pictures of patio furniture strewn across the floor, with trees and shrubbery knocked over.
She said it looked like a “mini tornado” hit her garden.
She shared a picture of a tree that had fallen on a car. Another tree had uprooted a wall.
Jenna Walker shared a picture of a fallen tree on Crow Trees Brow, Chatburn.
Tracy Yates posted a picture of a fallen tree near Alkincoats Park in Colne.
Faz Murtaza said the storm caused "carnage" at Notre Dame Gardens in Blackburn. Pictures show a tree, that has collapsed on to a van.
Council to work through day and weekend to clear trees
The council said it has been "busy dealing with a number of fallen trees" with some blocking roads preventing access or into live traffic lanes.
It said it "may take some time" to deal with trees blocking footpaths. Teams will continue working into this evening and over the weekend to clear debris.
A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: "Our highways teams are busy dealing with a number of fallen trees as a result of Storm Lilian, with some blocking roads preventing access or into live traffic lanes.
"Due to this demand on resources, we need to prioritise on the level of risk/obstruction and if the road is passable. It may therefore take us some time to deal with trees blocking footpaths or not causing a significant road safety risk.
"Working with contractors, we will continue working into this evening, whilst we have daylight to undertake work safely. We will be clearing fallen trees and dangerous branches in East Lancs and works will continue on Saturday.
"As always, we would encourage people to report any concerns they may have to our highways teams using our 'report it' service."
The duo confirmed that the show has been cancelled due to the weather but said they will be hosting a "mini meet-and-greet" from 4pm until 4.45pm.
Belmont tree surgeon Mark Taberner was busy completing jobs throughout Lancashire and Greater Manchester.
He said: “I think the reason why there’s quite a lot of branches snapping off and things like that is because you’ve got quite a lot of leaves on the tree, the wind can’t really blow through the trees.
“You’ve got a lot of weight on the branches because of the leaves, and that’s why they’re snapping off.
“Usually, come winter time when there’s no leaves on the trees the wind can blow through them, but it’s just like a great big sail in the wind – the wind can’t get through the trees, that’s what’s happening.”
Asked about the kind of damage he was seeing, Mark said it wasn’t too bad – with most damage relegated to garden furniture.
He added: “It’s just in gardens really, I’m going to one later on Chapeltown Road – this guy’s saying he’s got a big branch that’s landed on his roof.”
Electricity North West said Storm Lilian has caused power outages in the north west. It said people may be without power until 6.30pm on Friday.
The power outages affected Clayton-Le-Dale, where around 177 homes were thought to be affected, Darwen, Longridge, Billington and Langho.
Electricity North West incident manager Richard Moulton said: “Despite the very challenging conditions which saw strong winds and heavy rain hit the region, we’ve already been able to make some good progress.
“We were well prepared in advance and drafted in teams of engineers who were able to respond first thing this morning.
“Conditions are now starting to ease and teams are tackling faults that have been caused by trees and branches landing on overhead lines.
“If you see lines down or damage to any of our equipment, stay well clear and call us on 105 so we can make the area safe.”
Northern warned train commuters not to travel due to the severe weather conditions.
Some lines in Lancashire were disrupted, including Clitheroe to Rochdale.
The earlier 5.43am service from Victoria to Clitheroe was cancelled between Blackburn and Clitheroe due to flooding.
A spokesperson for Northern said: "Due to severe weather some lines are blocked train services running across the whole Northern network will be cancelled, delayed or revised.
"Due to severe weather disrupting the railway customers are advised to not travel at this time."
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