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Thursday, November 17, 2016

'Freak tornado' wreaks havoc in Aberystwyth

Hurricane-force winds have wreaked havoc in West Wales after what witnesses described as a freak tornado hit the town of Aberystwyth.

 TORRO, the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation, said the reports were yet to be verified but warned the cold front was moving eastwards to parts of southern and central England, bringing with it the threat of isolated tornadoes, high winds and lightning.

The Mid and West Wales fire service dealt with 25 weather-related incidents after trees crashed onto roads, power lines fell, caravans overturned and tiles were flung from roofs.

No reports have been received of anyone being seriously hurt in the storm, which saw winds of up to 94mph hit the area this morning.
Aberystwyth Lifeboat said they had heard reports of "lots of damage" in the area, while firefighters and police urged drivers to be careful due to debris on the roads.
In Clarach Bay, to the north of the town, Thomas Scarrott posted pictures on Twitter after the freak winds brought down caravans at his holiday park, Vale Holidays.
He told Sky News that the freak winds descended on the area "without any warning whatsoever" after a mild morning.
"It just descended into complete and utter carnage," he said. "There were caravans being thrown around, there was debris flying everywhere,. It was quite scary, to stay the least."
Hurricane-force winds brought two floodlights and fencing down 
at Aberystwyth Town FC
Image Caption:The winds brought down two floodlights at the town's football club. Pic: Aberystwyth Town FC
Mr Scarrott said his father sustained a minor injury after being struck on the wrist by flying debris, but that "luckily" no-one was seriously hurt as the park is currently closed to visitors.
Had it been peak season, there would have "without doubt" been deaths or serious injuries, he said.
"Caravans have been upended... we think there's 10, maybe 12, that have been turned completely upside down, completely written off, and another 10 to 15 have sustained damage beyond repair.
"All in all it's been a very disastrous day for us."
Trees have been torn down in Aberystwyth after hurricane-force winds hit the town
Image Caption:Trees have been torn down across the town. Pic: @cerys_haf
Elsewhere in the town, trees were torn down and roof tiles were blown into roads, with several being forced to close, Dyfed Powys Police said.
Aberystwyth Town FC has postponed training at its Park Avenue site after the extreme winds brought down two floodlights and fencing.

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