Weather alert: Flats evacuated as gusts hit 70mph

West Yorkshire Police also warned people living around Lombardy House to stay inside as engineers assessed the damage.

A spokesman said: "Police are warning local residents in the area of Southwood Road and Southwood Drive, Leeds, to stay inside after the roof on a local block of flats became loose due to the strong winds.

"The block, called Lombardy House on Southwood Close, is being evacuated and alternative accommodation is being arranged for local residents.

"Structural engineers are at the scene and are assessing the structure. A cordon has also been put in place and police are advising people in the immediate area to stay inside their homes."

In Sheffield, the top deck of the Tinsley Viaduct - which carries the M1 over the Lower Don Valley, close to the Meadowhall Shopping Centre - was closed after a lorry was blown over as winds topped 70mph.

The incident happened at 8.40am and, even after the motorway was reopened, South Yorkshire Police warned HGVs to avoid the top deck as they expected winds to strengthen.

Lorry drivers were advised to pull off the motorway and use the bottom deck of the structure.

A gust of 71mph was recorded at the viaduct, a spokeswoman said.

In York, the city council closed all parks as a precaution due to high winds.