UK weather: Live
updates
as new storm batters
UK
with heavy rain and
80mph
gales
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for high winds in south Wales and south-west England
Across the UK, 5,000 properties have so far been affected by flooding.
This morning, around 670 homes in the Newbury, Basingstoke, Bournemouth and Salisbury areas are without power.
However, there is some good news - and that is that Gatwick Airport has decided to waive fees for the additional Flybe flights it is laying on between Newquay and London to alleviate pressure on the transport system in the South West.
Due to the strong winds forecast today in the South West and South East of England, the Highways Agency has issued a severe weather alert for high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes.
Drivers of these vehicles are advised to take extra care when travelling due to the increased risk of vehicles being blown over.
The Highways Agency also advised motorists to plan for their journey before they set out, checking the forecast and road conditions and to leave extra time if travel conditions are poor.
In Cornwall, which is expected to take another battering from heavy rain and strong winds, police are asking motorists to drive appropriately and be prepared to face standing water and road debris – particularly on more rural routes.
Due to the enforced closure of the Cornwall to London railway line at Dawlish, the authorities are expecting the roads to be busier this weekend as people take to their cars rather than to the railways to travel.
The chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Local Resilience Forum, Assistant Chief Constable Paul Netherton, spoke to Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday.
Assistant Chief Constable Netherton said: "The impact on Devon and Cornwall has been huge.
"This weekend is due to be another test for us, but I'm confident we have the skills and ability to keep Devon and Cornwall safe and moving."
Around 5,000 properties have so far been affected by flooding across the country, including 40 in Somerset.
At present, the Environment Agency has two severe flood warnings - which mean "danger to life" - in place.
Both, perhaps unsurprisingly, are in Somerset.
There are more than 300 low-level flood alerts and nearly 200 medium-risk flood warnings in place across Wales and southern and central England as north as Hull.
The storm will move north-eastwards bringing with it winds of up to 70mph and heavy showers throughout today, weather forecasters MeteoGroup said.
The highest risk of flooding will be around lunchtime.
Large swathes of England and Wales are on flood alert today as yet another storm with winds of up to 80mph arrives to batter Britain.
The Somerset Levels, where many residents have already been forced from their homes after weeks of heavy rain, remain at the highest risk of continued flooding.
The Environment Agency also highlighted the coastline of Devon and Dorset as being at "significant risk" of new flooding as high tides and winds arrive.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/uk-weather-live-updates-new-3123554#ixzz2siJSNTr1
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