‘Tornado’ damages homes in Greater Manchester as Storm Gerrit batters Britain

Thousands of homes without power and rail travel in chaos after strong winds and heavy snow and rain

A “localised tornado” caused significant damage to properties in Greater Manchester as Storm Gerrit swept the country, with thousands of homes remaining without power and travellers likely to face continued disruption.

The storm also brought heavy snow across parts of Scotland which, along with high winds and heavy rain, damaged electricity networks in the country as fallen trees, branches and other debris brought down power lines.