City battered by Storm Ali
Sunderland was left bruised and battered after being hit by Storm Ali yesterday.
As gusts topped 50mph at times, there was damage and disruption across Wearside.
People were urged to stay indoors as warnings were issued over fallen trees and flying debris.
And many commuters faced delays on the way home from work as the Metro system was affected at various points on its routes.
Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, Coun Amy Wilson, said last night that the authority was responding to a number of reports of fallen trees and damage to properties as a result of Storm Ali.
She added: “This has included a number of calls about tiles being blown off roofs and walls that have come down.
“Building control officers are responding to call-outs on damage to property. We also have council tree surgeons on 24-hour stand-by to deal with any calls on fallen trees and branches.
“There’s also a risk of high winds causing disruption to the transport network, with the potential for trees, branches and other debris to block roads and disruption to the Metro, so I would urge anyone who doesn’t have to go out to stay at home and if you do have to go out, to take extra care and to beware of the risk of flying debris.”
Meanwhile, things went far from swimmingly for motorists when they had to dodge a flying paddling pool.
The inflatable pool appeared in Villette Road, Hendon, Sunderland, near its junction with Toward Road, during the height of Storm Ali.
Drivers on the A19 also had to cope with a dust cloud spread across both carriageways between Sunderland and Seaham for the second day running.
The weather is expected to remain unsettled for the remainder of the week with more high winds expected tomorrow.
Have you been affected by Storm Ali? Call our newsdesk on 0191 501 7326.