Severe storms hit south
Coastal areas are braced for severe weather over the next few days
Also In The News
|
Directed by Andrew Dominik, out November 30th, starring Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, running time 160 minutes. |  |
Sunday, 02, Dec 2007 02:28
Severe gales of up to 70mph are tearing through parts of southern England.
The winter storm brought down trees in Devon as well as causing flooding and power cuts.
The storm is currently hitting the Isle of Wight and is expected to track from west to east causing downpours up the Kentish coastline.
A father and his nine-year-old son were rescued after being swept away in a river in Devon.
Veronica Taylor, watch officer for Solent Coastguard, said the forecast for the south coast was severe gale force nine winds.
"That's the kind of wind that can uproot trees and cause damage to buildings; that's what we're talking about," Ms Taylor said.
"Anybody who goes out on a boat who doesn't know what they are doing is risking life and limb, if you do it in these conditions it is significantly more dangerous."
The Isle of Scilly was struck by 70mph winds on Saturday night while 40ft were recorded off the Atlantic coast.
The Highways Agency is warning people towing caravans and riding motorcycles to be aware of the risks of sudden changes in wind speed.
Strong winds blowing in from the Atlantic have pushed sea swells of 20-25ft up the English Channel.
A French fisherman died in the Channel in force eight winds on Friday night.