A taxi driver in Blackburn has spoken of his narrow escape after a tree came crashing down onto his vehicle as Storm Amy’s heavy rain and gale-force winds swept across the region.
Taxi hit as storm winds intensify
The dramatic incident happened on Hollin Bridge Street, just past Hollin Street, on Friday afternoon as the first wave of severe weather began to hit Lancashire.
The driver, who asked not to be named, said he had just dropped off a passenger when the tree suddenly collapsed.
“I was in the car dropping the customer off. There was some scaffolding here, so I couldn’t park close to that. I moved the car forward and then it happened,” he told reporters.
“We are very lucky — the top bit came down.”
The taxi, which had only just parked, sustained serious damage including a smashed windscreen and heavy dents to the roof and rear. Fortunately, both the driver and passenger escaped uninjured.
Road closed as council workers clear debris
A Blackburn with Darwen Council crew quickly arrived to clear branches and debris, while police cordoned off the affected area. The road remained closed for several hours while safety checks were carried out.
Residents living nearby said the fallen tree also blocked driveways and doorways, trapping some vehicles until the scene was made safe.
Storm Amy: Met Office issues yellow weather warnings
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings across the UK as Storm Amy brings torrential rain and winds reaching up to 100mph in exposed areas.
Western Scotland and Northern Ireland were the first to be hit on Friday afternoon, with the storm expected to spread south overnight. By Saturday, the warnings will cover all of the UK, including southern England.
A Met Office spokesperson said:
“Storm Amy is expected to bring a spell of strong winds to many parts of northern and western Britain later on Friday and overnight into Saturday. Gusts of 50–60mph are likely in many areas, and may reach 60–70mph in more exposed parts.”
Motorists are being urged to drive with extreme caution and to avoid parking near trees or scaffolding as conditions worsen over the weekend.
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