Destructive storms hit Derbyshire

Pictured is a huge tree that collapsed during heavy wind storms between Wednesday evening, February 12, and Thursday morning, February 13, in the grounds of the Crooked Spire Church at Chesterfield.

Derbyshire Constabulary revealed how it received nearly 90 emergency call-outs between 4pm to 10pm, on Wednesday, February 12, involving fallen trees, blocked roads and fallen electricity pylons posing danger.

In the Chesterfield, Bolsover and North Derbyshire area around 50 calls were made relating to trees being blown over.

The St Mary and All Saints’ Crooked Spire Church, in Chesterfield town centre, had a narrow escape as a massive tree was uprooted and fell across the church grounds and path just metres from the spire.

A Derbyshire Constabulary spokesman said: “Police have been working with the Highways Agency and the fire service to keep the region as safe as possible during terrible storms and winds overnight.”

Winds affecting the whole country, according to the Met Office, reached speeds exceeding 100mph as motorways including the M62 and M6 routes leading back into Derbyshire.

At around 6pm, on Wednesday, several people reported a large tree had been blown into Matlock Road, at Walton, partially blocking the road.

Traffic was backed up until a man used a chainsaw to cut it up and clear the road.

Trees were downed on the A615 at Wessington, Barlow Lane, Dronfield, Pilsley Road, Danesmoor, South Wingfield Road, Alfreton, and Station New Road, Old Tupton.

A telegraph pole carrying power and telephone cables in Beresford Lane, Wooley Moor, was also brought down by the heavy winds at around 6.30pm.

Worst affected areas included Whatstandwell, Tansley and Buxton.

BT was called out to deal with the situation.

In the Derbyshire Dales around 25 calls were received by the police relating to trees being blown over.

Trees fell in the road on the A632 between Matlock and Chesterfield, and the B5057 at Two Dales.

In St John’s Street, Wirksworth, some scaffolding collapsed at around 6pm, but it was quickly removed from the road.

Send your weather related stories and pictures to [email protected].

The Met Office warned that despite sunny spells to come there will be a few showers during the day, today, Thursday, February 13, with these showers becoming wintry over the Peak District.

It will remain, however the wind will not be as strong as Wednesday, according to the Met Office, with it feeling cold, particularly when exposed to the wind and in any showers.

Any showers will clear to leave a mainly dry night with some clear spells developing, allowing temperatures to fall. The Met Office said winds will ease later in the night giving a chance of frost.

Earlier in the week bad weather including snow caused the A57 Snake Pass which was closed between Ladybower Reservoir in Bamford and the A6187 Winnat’s Pass in Castleton.

The Met Office also warned of snow and 70mph winds forecast for Derbyshire with severe weather warning in place.

A Met Office spokesman said: “There were warnings for both snow and winds across Derbyshire.

“Overnight, however, the winds eased into Thursday with blustery showers but it will be a better day all round.

“Friday will start promisingly but rain will move in from the south with rain falling in the evening.

“Saturday will be the worst day of the weekend with wind from the north making it feel cold and possibly wintry showers over higher ground.

“Sunday, meanwhile, looks like the best day of the lot, looking generally a dry day with a bit of rain.”

Other incidents across the region have a tree fallen in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield.

The Highways Agency is advising road users that affected roads included the M62 between junction 22 and 24, eastbound and westbound, the M1 Tinsley Viaduct, Junction 34, northbound and southbound, the A628 Woodhead Pass, eastbound and westbound A66, eastbound and westbound.

Some routes were forced to remain close until the high winds subsided.

Drivers planning to travel during the current severe weather are encouraged to plan their journey in advance and check the latest weather and traffic conditions along the route.

Drivers should be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles plenty of space. There is a particular high risk that high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes could be blown over and the Highways Agency, in conjunction with the Met Office, are strongly advising that these types of vehicles avoid, if possible, the following sections of the network during the severe weather.

High risk areas have included M1 J32 (M18 interchange), M1 J34 (Tinsley Viaduct/Rotherham), A628 (Woodhead Pass), M62 J23-J25 (Huddersfield to Brighouse),, M62 J31-J32 (Normanton to Pontefract).

Please send us your wind photos to [email protected] with your details.