| Six people were injured and about 100 houses were damaged when a tornado swept through several London streets leaving a trail of destruction.
Rooftops were ripped off and cars were badly damaged as the freak weather hit Kensal Rise in north-west London.
One man suffered a serious head injury and five people were treated at the scene for minor injuries and shock.
Eleven fire crews were called to Chamberlayne Road, which has been cordoned off because of the debris.
Witnesses said there was heavy rain and sleet, then debris flying through the air.
Colin Brewer, who lives in nearby Trevelyan Gardens, said: "It was really, really incredible. All of a sudden I saw a swirl starting to form and then, it was amazing, but it then touched land.
"I then saw clumps of all sorts of things flying into air.
"It went from exciting to terrifying."
He reported seeing trees ripped up from the roots, front doors missing, windows smashed and people being hit on the head by flying objects.
Emergency services were called at about 1100 GMT to reports of collapsed scaffolding and damage to buildings.
Ten ambulances and two fast response cars were sent to the scene and the London ambulance helicopter was scrambled.
London Ambulance Service said a man, thought to be in his 50s, was treated for a head injury and five others were treated for shock and minor injuries at the scene.
London Fire Brigade said up to 50 firefighters were at the scene and had cordoned off the area.
Transport for London said a number 52 bus was caught up in the tornado.
A spokesperson said: "The windscreen of the bus was damaged. No-one was hurt and the bus has now gone back to the garage."
Brent Council has set up a respite centre at the nearby Church of the Transfiguration for residents who have been made temporarily homeless.
"The council has sent officers, including tree and building experts, and contractors, to help with removing fallen trees and damaged properties," said a council statement. | |
