Tributes are being paid to a man who became a victim of the storm that wreaked havoc across England today.

Donal Drohan, 51, from Harrow, had been driving along Lower High Street when a tree fell on his vehicle, a red Peugeot 207.

Police were called to the incident at 6.50am and closed off the road, but Donal, who was an operations manager with the public realm service at Harrow Council, died at the scene.

A statement from Donal's family said: “Donal was a loving husband and father of three. He was the best husband and father anyone could wish for. You couldn't find anyone who had a bad word to say about him.

"He was very supportive to everybody who knew him and couldn't say no to helping out with anything. He was an active member of the community who was involved with local groups and had recently helped Team Harrow of The Challenge Network helping to shape the lives of hundreds of young people within the local community.”

The road was reopened at midday.

The leader of Harrow Council Susan Hall joined the family in paying tribute to the family man.

She said: “This is an absolute tragedy and everyone is devastated. Donal was one of our public realm managers and had worked for us for nearly 25 years. He was always cheerful, and passionate about his job keeping our streets clean. His council colleagues are finding this very hard to deal with.

"Our thoughts are with Donal’s family both here and in Ireland.”

Police are now appealing to witnesses to the fatal incident. PC Bob Hauxwell of Hertfordshire Police said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are with the man’s family.

“We are aware there were a number of drivers who may have seen events leading up to the incident who did not stop at the scene. If this was you I would ask that you please contact me with information.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Hauxwell via the Herts Police non-emergency number 101.