Updated: GUSTS of up to 70mph have hit our region bringing disruption to road and rail travel and damage to houses and trees.

The gales saw structural damage throughout York, including a chimney, which fell through the roof of a house in Orchard Close, near Hob Moor.

A fallen chimney pot also smashed through the rear window of a parked car in Hampden Street.

In the Mount area of York a fir tree collapsed in the wind. Just north of Sherburn-in-Elmet a lorry was blown over on the A162.

Rail travel was hit as the wind blew debris onto the tracks near York and caused problems with overhead cables.

City of York Council took the precaution of closing all its parks yesterday, including Museum Gardens in the centre of York where a tree was brought down by the wind. Newgate Market also closed early.

A fallen tree closed Beckfield Lane while council workmen removed it from the road.

A spokesman for the Met Office said the winds should have calmed by today, but this morning could still be “breezy”.