Severe Storm Strikes the UK
Heavy Rain and High Winds Bring Disruption to Coastal Areas
Mar 10, 2008
A deep low-pressure system has brought severe weather to parts of the United Kingdom, with driving rain and storm force winds affecting many areas of the country.
Winds measuring 80 mph (130 km/h) have hit parts of Wales and South West England bringing power lines down and cutting off the electricity supply to many homes.
Flood Warnings
On Monday March 10th, the Environmental Agency issued seven 7 severe flood warnings, 48 standard flood warnings and 53 flood watches. Chief Executive, Baroness Young said:
“Along the coast from the South West, almost as far as Kent, we could see the waves coming over the sea walls and that’s when we could really have difficulties. We are saying to people to stay away. It's very impressive to watch, but these waves could come over at any time.”
Initial fears the high morning tide would add to the problems proved unfounded as it passed without major incident.
High Winds
The highest recorded wind speed was 82 mph at Berry Head, Brixham, South Devon.
Roofs have been torn off in other parts of the county and uprooted trees are strewn across South Wales.
Gale force nine winds were recorded in the English Channel and the Port of Dover was closed to all shipping movements in the treacherous conditions.
An 11,000 tonne tanker ran into trouble in the Solent off the Isle of Wight, when its anchor began to drag. With a crew of 13 on board and carrying a cargo of gas oil, tugs were sent to its assistance.
Travel Disruption
Several roads in Wales and South West England are blocked and motorways have also been affected, with the Surrey stretch of the M25 reporting major delays due to flooding.
A 50 mph speed limit has been set on some rail lines and Heathrow, Gatwick, Bristol and London City airports cancelled a number of short-haul and domestic flights on Monday as the storm developed.
A scheduled Sunday P&O ferry sailing between Portsmouth and Bilbao was cancelled along with another from Bilbao to Portsmouth set for March 11th. Channel crossings between Wales and Ireland have also been cancelled.
Other Areas of the UK have been affected
Snow caused very difficult conditions in the North East region of England. High winds and snow blizzards made driving highly dangerous between Durham and Cumbria. Lorries sheltered on the Trans-Pennine route as vehicles were in danger of being toppled by gusts.
Severe Weather set to Continue
The Met Office state the severe weather is set to continue for at least the next 48 hours, with another strong storm set for later on Monday.
Sources
www.metoffice.gov.uk
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
BBC News
 |
 |
