STALYBRIDGE TORNADO: The Association of British Insurers assures claimants; free meal & accommodation for those affected

Following the freak tornado in Stalybridge and storm Gerrit affecting several people and houses in Tameside, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) reassures that damage caused by tornados and storms is covered by standard property insurance policies. TORRO rates Stalybridge Tornado as T5.

ABI advises anyone affected:

• Do not put yourself at risk by attempting to check the damage.
• Follow the advice of the local authority and emergency services.
• Contact your insurer for help and support. Once it is safe to do so, they will arrange an inspection of the damage.
• If your home is deemed unsafe and uninhabitable, your home insurer can arrange and pay for any temporary emergency alternative accommodation needed until you can move back. They may also be able to make any emergency payments.
• Comprehensive motor insurance covers storm damage.

ABI spokesperson Malcolm Tarling said:

“Insurers expect and are ready for any form of bad weather, such as tornado-force winds. When bad weather strikes, their priority is always to help their customers recover as quickly as possible. Anyone affected should contact the insurer for advice.”

Around 11.45 pm on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to numerous reports of significant damage to various properties across Stalybridge in Tameside.

GMP declared this a major incident due to the severity of the damage caused and the potential risk to public safety. The tornado has now been classed with a T5 rating by the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO).

The T Scale is applied as an accurate wind speed scale to determine whether the wind is tornadic. According to TORRO, a T5 scale implies an ‘intense Tornado’ of 137-160 mph, where:

• Heavier motor vehicles (4x4, 4 Tonne Trucks) levitated.
• Wall plates, entire roofs and several rows of bricks on top floors were removed.
• Items sucked out from inside the house, including partition walls and furniture.
• Older, weaker buildings collapse entirely.
• Utility poles snapped.

GMP Chief Superintendent Mark Dexter said: “This incident has undoubtedly affected numerous people in the Stalybridge area, with many residents displaced from their properties during the night.

“Our highest priority is keeping people safe, which is why we advise those displaced not to return or enter their properties which have significant damage until structural engineers have assessed them.

“I would also like to urge members of the public to avoid the area where possible and take extra care when travelling in vehicles on the roads in Stalybridge and the surrounding areas due to debris on the road.”

However, cleaning operations are now well underway, with several community members and groups of Stalybridge who have come forward to take care of their beloved town.

St Paul’s Church, Stalybridge, said in a statement:

“The big cleanup begins after last night’s tornado that cut a path right through our town. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but many were displaced from their homes. Prayers that everyone gets sorted and this weather calms eventually.”

Local community members have come forward to clean up the church premises in a heart-warming gesture.

Meanwhile, a fast-food takeaway based at 89 Mottram Rd, Stalybridge – ‘Tokies Stalybridge’ has offered temporary accommodation and free meals to people badly affected and displaced by the storm.

*Those affected should monitor Tameside Council's social media for advice and guidance or call 0161 342 2222, where council representatives can offer support.