10/02/2009

Storms Batter South Of England And Wales

Heavy rain, fierce winds and snow are causing havoc across much of southern England and Wales.

The Environment Agency has issued 83 flood warnings as heavy snow swept across southern England, and some areas recorded close to their monthly average rainfall for February in just 24 hours.

Meanwhile, a band of snow stretching from south Wales into the Midlands left up to 3,000 homes without electricity in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

The storm is also bringing strong winds, with gusts of up to 60mph in coastal areas.

Bristol Airport was closed overnight because of severe weather conditions and heavy snowfall.

Eight outbound flights and several inbound flights were cancelled or diverted to other airports.

Virgin Trains has cancelled some services between London and Birmingham and Manchester.

Weatherman Brendan Jones said the centre of the storm was hovering above the English Channel but it had spread heavy rain across much of England and Wales.

"The storm is spinning around on the south coast but has thrown rain almost across the whole of England and Wales," he said.

"In coastal areas winds are gusting up to 60mph and some inland places have had close to their average monthly rainfall in 24 hours.

"London and Kent, Sussex, Hampshire have seen up to 35mm of rain - the average rainfall for February is between 40 and 60mm."

(JM/BMcC)

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