CLEAR UP . . . a private firm deal with the debris on North Street
After five weeks of balmy weather, the area was battered by gusts of up to 70mph and torrential rain.
Trees were blown down and blocked roads in Annan, near Dalton, Haugh of Urr, Waterbeck and Torthorwald.
DNG Media photographer Steve Matthew had a close call on North Street in Annan when a tree fell down.
He said: “It was so surreal seeing the tree fall in front of my eyes.
“I quickly slammed on the brakes and managed to stop in plenty time.
“If it was just a couple of seconds later it would have come down right on top of me, it is really quite scary to think of it like that.”
Meanwhile, in Ecclefechan a birch tree was uprooted at the village hall, and in many places trampolines were lifted from gardens, including one in Annan with the owner being sought via Facebook.
Police and Dumfries and Galloway Council faced a busy night and morning dealing with the debris.
The local authority was called to numerous incidents across the region and staff were on hand early in the morning to ensure minimum disruption for motorists.
A police spokesman said: “We were well warned and prepared for the weather, we knew it was coming.
“Officers were on hand to deal with fallen trees, one on the A709 this morning blocked part of the road at Torthorward, but traffic was able to move with police assistance.”
In addition, trains between Lockerbie and the Central Belt were cancelled, with passengers facing long journeys with a bus alternative.
The Met Office’s yellow warning for wind was in place from 3 am to 3 pm yesterday.
More settled weather is set to return tomorrow with temperatures hitting the mid-teens.
