Surprised Lancashire cleans up after tornado

5 May 05
Emergency services staff in west Lancashire have been busy repairing damage caused by a mini-tornado on Bank Holiday Monday.

06 May 2005

Emergency services staff in west Lancashire have been busy repairing damage caused by a mini-tornado on Bank Holiday Monday.

Freak weather conditions, including a tornado estimated to be 300 metres high, hit the village of Hoghton, near Preston, on the evening of May 2.

The tornado swept through the village at 145kph, sucking up chunks of chimneys, roof tiles and garden furniture and scattering them across nearby roads and roofs.

More than 30 buildings were damaged. Power lines and caravans stored at a local farm were also hit, while some local residents reported livestock hurled into the air.

Police and fire services were drafted in to help with repairs and to make buildings safe.

Properties in nearby Walton-le-Dale, Bamber Bridge and Samlesbury were also affected, but no injuries were reported.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue leading firefighter Martin Ball described the evening's surreal events. 'There were things being sucked up. A large trampoline flew through the air and a garden shed made its way down the road,' he said.

Hoghton's two administering authorities, Chorley Borough Council and South Ribble Borough Council, said they had received no reports of major emergencies, but would assist the emergency services in ensuring that no long-term damage was caused.

PFmay2005

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