WINDS of up to 70 miles per hour caused mayhem across the borough yesterday.
Gusts with speeds of 74 mph were recorded at 8am and power at the hospital went off at about 10.45am, with people being told only to come in if it was an emergency.The power came back on at about 12.30pm.
Students at Shafton ALC were sent home because it had not power or water, and Milefield Primary in Grimethorpe was also closed.
Residents in Shafton, Brierley and Cudworth were left without electric from about 2pm. It had still not come back by the time the Chronicle went to press.
A 70ft ash tree was blown over on Hall Balk Lane in Barnsley at about noon, blocking the road. Dave Walshaw, who worked for the Forestry Commission for 23 years, lives close by. "I heard it come down and I said 'I know that sound'," he said.
A Met Office spokesman said wind speeds fell throughout the day.
"Over the weekend, temperatures start to recover, but Friday night through to Saturday could see temperatures as low as minus three degrees in some areas."
