Leeds has witnessed its fair share of stormy weather down the years with the city and its residents battered by mother nature. A vicious storm hit the city in November 1973 and caused the closure of the busy shopping precinct Commercial Street in the city centre after slates blew down. The bad weather also blew roofs off properties and caused substantial damage to businesses. Bad weather in January 1983 left cars under rubble while another bout of stormy weather in January 1984 blew a bus off the road. Fast forward to 2007 and, as our photos show, there was chaos after the banks of the River Aire in Leeds city centre were broken by heavy rain. READ MORE: The Leeds flood warning siren - Everything you need to know LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
1. Stormy Leeds
The occupants of this car escaped unhurt when a tree crashed on to the vehicle on York Road in December 1974.
2. Stormy Leeds
A complete roof, covering a block of eight garages in Bramley, was ripped off during gales in November 1973. Pictured discussing the issue are local residents Mr and Mrs P. Longbottom with Malcolm Henson.
3. Stormy Leeds
November 1973 and Roy George Hurley, managing director of George A. Hurley Ltd. dress manufacturers on Dewsbury Road looks at the gale damaged roof of his premises.
4. Stormy Leeds
The same gales in November 1973 forced the roofing supports of this partly constructed new house to collapse.
5.
Slate-strewn Commercial Street was empty of shoppers in November 1973 after part of the pedestrian precinct was closed owing to stormy weather. Pictured is meter attendant Eleanor Greenwood
6. Stormy Leeds
December 1982 and high sided vehicles were blown over by the gale force winds on the M1 motorway approaching Leeds.