31 December 2023 , 16:39
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A 'mini tornado' hit a Devon village - splitting a 150 year old oak tree. Residents in Tipton St John near Sidmouth, Devon, said damage was caused to roofs, fencing and power was cut to an entire street.
Simon West, who lives in the village, said: "Suddenly we heard an enormous creaking and cracking sound with the tree falling apart. All our electricity was taken out, setting off our smoke alarms - it was a bit traumatic."
Another resident, Richard Rogers, said: "It was certainly more than a gale. I have seen tornadoes before and it was very much the same."
The village was badly hit by the arrival of the storm on Saturday afternoon. Locals say the gusts of wind were so strong that they believed it may have been a tornado. It ripped through the East Devon village, taking off porch and stable roofs, flinging wheelie bins around and badly damaging trees, according to DevonLive.
A 150-year-old oak tree came down in Tipton St John in Devon (Jo Earlam)Residents woke on Sunday morning to the sad loss of a 150-year-old oak tree. Resident Jo Earlam says the tree's collapse at around 5:30pm took out power cables which had to be replaced by a team from the National Grid who worked through the night.
Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts
She said she feels "very lucky" as the tree only narrowly missed their house and car. Fortunately no one was hurt during the "terrifying" incident.
Jo said: "Feeling very lucky this morning after part of a 150-year-old oak tree came down in our garden at 5.30pm last night taking out the power cables to us and our neighbours. A huge section of this beautiful tree covered much of our garden and the drive.
"No one was hurt, it missed the house and the car, but it was pretty terrifying. Believed to be a tornado. The National Grid team were amazing working through the night in horrible squally rain, cutting up the tree, putting in a new pole and refixing the cables. Power back on at 3.30am. Meanwhile, John and I played cards by candlelight and counted our lucky stars."
She added: "Hope everyone in the village is safe and not too much damage. We all rallied around together here in Green Lane. Feeling thankful after seeing the size of the trunk this morning that no one was hurt."
Tracey West said: "It was the most horrendous rain and wind event lashing against the house for some 15 to 20 seconds. Then the smash came from the tree crashing - then silence."
The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) said on Sunday: "Whilst the maximum intensity is still being assessed TORRO can confirm based on a site investigation that Venn Ottery & Tipton St John were hit by a tornado yesterday afternoon."
It comes as the UK braces itself for more wild and windy weather on New Year's Eve. Yellow warnings are in place in some parts of the country and the Environment Agency has issued flood alerts close to many rivers.