UK Clean-up begins after severe storms
Pastor Dale Morgan
UK Clean-up begins after severe storms*
By Jasper Copping, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 10:13am GMT 25/11/2006
# Britain braced for 75mph storm
Clearing up operations were under way this morning after the country was
buffeted by winter gales.
Strong winds and rain hit the south east overnight and are expected to
continue northwards during the day.
A Met Office forecaster said, however, that predicted 75mph gusts did
not materialise and the wind speed was closer to 50mph.
But gales blowing leaves from trees had blocked drains and caused
flooding, particularly in the South West and South Wales, he said.
A MeteoGroup UK forecaster said the peak gust it had recorded was 54mph
in Odiham, Hampshire.
She said: “South-east Wales, the Bristol area, Devon and Cornwall have
all been hit by gusts, with some places recording an inch of rain
overnight. “I think the worst is probably over by now,” she added.
“The maximum winds have gone through. But it’s still going to be quite a
windy day today. The first half of the morning will have 40-50mph gusts.”
The AA’s website warned that on the M4 motorway there was a water hazard
near the Brynglas Tunnel in Wales.
It also said that some Irish Ferries Swift Sailings on the
Dublin/Holyhead route have been cancelled because of the weather.
The Highways Agency has warned motorists to take extra care, while the
Coastguard Agency has issued a severe weather warning to UK mariners.
It also warned against wave watching from promenades or piers because of
the increased risk of being swept into the water.
Areas in the South Wales and the South West – where the strongest winds,
of up to 70mph, are expected today – could face further localised flooding.
Although Sunday is expected to be calmer for most of the country,
forecasters are predicting the bad weather will return next week.
The storms come after Britain enjoyed the warmest extended summer period
on record.