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North East battered by storm-force winds

Oct 4 2009 by Katy Simpson, Sunday Sun

The driver of this lorry suffered minor injuries

SEVERE winds topping 70mph battered the North last night.

The Met Office issued a warning of "severe or extreme weather" across Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyneside and drivers were warned to take extra care as winds reached 60 and 70mph by yesterday afternoon.

The winds caused chaos across the region, including in North Yorkshire where fires were spread out of control across the moors by ferocious gusts.

Firefighters battled throughout yesterday to contain the blazes at Goathland, Commondale and Esk Dale. Roads in the area were closed and huge clouds of smoke were seen for miles around.

In Bowburn, County Durham, a lorry driver had a lucky escape when a gust of wind blew his vehicle over.

He was assessed by paramedics at the scene but had only minor injuries.

Emergency services also received calls about trees that had fallen on roads.

In Newcastle, gales brought down a huge tree which almost crushed a dad.

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