In UK, storm Gerrit causes widespread damage resulting in power outages and travel disruptions

A severe storm named Gerrit, battered the United Kingdom, unleashing high winds, heavy snow, and torrential rain across Scotland and parts of northern England, causing significant damage to homes, transportation chaos, and power outages for thousands on Thursday.

With wind speeds reaching up to 80 miles per hour in coastal areas of Scotland, workers faced a daunting challenge to restore power lines damaged by falling debris. Approximately 14,000 households were left without electricity, a substantial impact felt across affected regions.

Numerous houses have been damaged 

In northwest England's Manchester, reports flooded in late Wednesday of homes ravaged by what authorities described as a brief but intense "localized tornado." Images depicted roofs ripped off houses, cars crushed under fallen trees, and accounts surfaced of garden sheds being swept away. The Met Office confirmed a "supercell thunderstorm" with a "strong rotating updraft" crossing the Greater Manchester area late Wednesday. Despite the widespread destruction, no injuries were reported.

Even Scotland couldn't escape the storm's impact

Storm Gerrit's impact extended to Scotland, disrupting train services and suspending travel on certain lines until thorough network inspections could be conducted. While a falling tree struck a train's driver cabin, fortunately, no injuries were sustained.

Snow accumulation further complicated matters, leading to road closures in parts of Scotland, hindering travel and exacerbating the storm's disruptive effects. Heathrow Airport, the UK's primary air travel hub, also grappled with the storm's repercussions, canceling 18 flights on Wednesday due to air traffic control restrictions on domestic routes. Flights to several European cities, including Barcelona and Berlin, were affected, causing further travel woes amidst the tumultuous weather conditions.