Strong winds that ripped through St Albans this morning (Wednesday) brought down a tree, shaking nearby houses and scraping two cars in the process.

Ridgmont Road resident Sue O’Leary said the tree fell onto the street at about 11am, blocking vehicles.

She said: “The falling tree made my neighbours’ homes shake. It’s a miracle that no one was hurt as it’s quite a big tree. It’s unbelievable as there could easily have been someone walking or driving by.

“The tree fell between two cars and looks quite rotten.”

Residents were still awaiting the removal of the tree at 3pm this afternoon.