10/03/2008

Britain Battered By Storms

Britain is still being battered by severe winds and heavy rains as what is expected to be the worst storm in the UK this year sweeps across the country from the Atlantic.

The western and southern coasts of England were being battered by a powerful storm on Monday afternoon and the severe weather conditions have disrupted air, rail and road travel and left nearly 12,000 homes without electricity.

More high winds are expected later and 41 flood warnings are in place across England and Wales.

Winds of more than 80mph affected many parts of the country, with southern England bearing the brunt of the storm.

The highest wind speed recorded so far was 82mph at Berry Head in Brixham in south Devon.

Commuters in Devon and Cornwall, South Wales and Dorset were also warned only to travel if absolutely necessary and to use extreme caution as many trees have been uprooted onto roads and railway lines.

The Met Office has severe weather warnings in place for most of the UK and has also issued flash weather warnings, predicting high winds, rain and flooding along coastal areas. Severe flood warnings are in place along the southwest coast.

Air travel has been affected, with the cancellation of a number of flights at both Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

Train delays are also expected, with reports that there has been severe disruption to South West Trains services into London.

P&O Ferries also cancelled a sailing from Portsmouth to Bilbao yesterday and have announced that another crossing from Bilbao to Portsmouth on Tuesday has also been cancelled.

Channel crossings to France and crossings between Wales and Ireland have also been cancelled, due to the severe weather conditions.

The Port of Dover was also closed, leaving P&O unable to operate any sailings between Dover and Calais, although this has since reopened.

(KMcA)


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