Lorries toppled and roofs blown off as huge winds batter region

At least four heavy goods vehicles were blown over yesterday, prompting police to ban high-sided vehicles from using major routes.

The M1 was shut northbound after a lorry overturned on the Tinsley Viaduct, near Meadowhall, Sheffield, as gusts reached 71mph.

When the road reopened, HGV drivers were asked to use the lower deck of the viaduct, which was less exposed to the winds.

The A66 was closed to high-sided vehicles after an HGV toppled over near Gilling West in North Yorkshire. Lorries also overturned on the A171 at Ugthorpe, near Whitby, and the A64 at Seamer.

Residents of a block of flats in Swarcliffe Drive, Leeds, were evacuated to temporary accommodation after high winds damaged the roof.

Structural engineers were called to assess the damage and people living nearby were advised to stay indoors.

Sheffield residents were warned to expect disruption to bin collections, while York Council closed all its parks after a tree fell onto a parked car in West Bank Park, Holgate.

Racing at Catterick was cancelled, with organisers saying gusts of 50mph gave them “no choice” but to call off the meeting.