Bloke says ‘pint saved his life’ after tornado ripped through his home

The UK was taken by storm after a horrid tornado ran rampant through unsuspecting people’s homes.

In England, we’re not generally prone to seeing this type of natural disturbance, albeit our rain and wind could win a few medals.

However, residents were left speechless and at a loss after a tornado ripped through their homes and left them in ruins on Wednesday night (December 27).

But one man was saved by an unlikely beverage.

As many people across the country were finishing off their festive celebrations, strong gusts from Storm Gerrit turned Greater Manchester upside down as it muscled its way through around 100 properties in the space of mere seconds.

Homes were left in an ‘absolute disaster’ due to the ‘localised tornado’ that careened through Stalybridge in Tameside, but thankfully no injuries have been reported so far.

Euan Welsh, who lives in Cherry Grove, came out to claim that his life might have been saved due to a last-minute change of plans.

The 21-year-old told the Oldham Times that he was off out in the pub as the tornado ripped through his home.

He said: "I was in Wetherspoons when it happened. The windows from the Bistro next to it came in.”

Welsh continued: "I just finished work and I was going to walk home when I decided to go to the pub - so a pint saved my life possibly!"

A local man, Andy Turner, explained that the tornado lasted around 15 seconds and wreaked ‘pure carnage’ on the town.

He said: "At 11.30pm last night, there was - all I can describe - is a hurricane came through. It lasted for about 15 seconds.

"Cars were parked outside the house. My wife's car is a write-off. My car took a bit of the brunt of the tree."

However, the ABI released a statement to those who were affected by the tornado on Wednesday - letting people and businesses know that insurers will be available to provide help and support if they need it.

Spokesman Malcolm Tarling said: "Insurers expect and are ready for any type of bad weather, such as tornado-force winds.

"When bad weather strikes, their priority is always to help and support their customers recover as quickly as practical.

"Anyone who has suffered damage should contact their insurer for advice."

Mark Dexter, Chief Superintendent GMP also said: "This incident has undoubtedly affected numerous people in the Stalybridge area with many residents displaced from their properties during the night.

"Our highest priority is keeping people safe which is why we are advising those who have been displaced not to return or enter their properties which have significant damage until they have been assessed by structural engineers.

"I would also like to urge members of the public to avoid the area where possible and take extra care when travelling in vehicles on the roads in Stalybridge and the surrounding areas, due to debris in the road."