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Storm Imogen lashing parts of England and Wales Storm Imogen lashing parts of England and Wales
(35 minutes later)
More than 13,000 homes are without power after Storm Imogen brought heavy rain and winds of up to 96mph to parts of southern Britain. Nearly 13,000 homes are without power after Storm Imogen brought heavy rain and winds of up to 96mph to parts of southern Britain.
South-west England, south and mid-Wales and the Midlands have borne the brunt so far, with eastern areas set to be hit later. South-west England and south and mid-Wales have borne the brunt so far, with eastern areas to be hit later.
The strongest gust was recorded at The Needles off the Isle of Wight. Waves of up to 19.1m (63ft) have been measured off the Cornish coast, and winds of 70-80mph felt in many areas.
Rail services are disrupted, some cross-Channel ferries are cancelled and drivers are urged to take extra care.Rail services are disrupted, some cross-Channel ferries are cancelled and drivers are urged to take extra care.
The Met Office has issued an amber "be prepared" wind warning for Wales, south-west England, London and south-east England and says coastal areas could see giant waves and localised flooding.The Met Office has issued an amber "be prepared" wind warning for Wales, south-west England, London and south-east England and says coastal areas could see giant waves and localised flooding.
BBC Weather forecaster Peter Sloss said there had not been winds so strong across such a wide area of southern Britain since the winter of 2013-14.BBC Weather forecaster Peter Sloss said there had not been winds so strong across such a wide area of southern Britain since the winter of 2013-14.
Winds of 70-80mph have been recorded in many areas, including 78mph in the Isles of Scilly and 74mph in Mumbles, near Swansea. Winds of more than 70mph have been recorded in many areas, including 81mph in the Isles of Scilly, 84mph in Pembrey Sands, Carmarthenshire.
The sea state could reach "phenomenal" - the highest level on the World Meteorological Scale - at times around western coasts, with waves of more than 14m (46ft) forecast. The Met Office has confirmed that "phenomenal" sea conditions have been recorded at several points offshore. Defined as waves of more than 14m (46ft), it is the highest level on the World Meteorological Scale.
But Nicola Maxey, from the Met Office, said 4-6m was more likely along shorelines themselves, for example in the Bristol Channel, and those peaks were most likely to occur at low tide and therefore have a smaller impact.
There are nearly 60 flood warnings in place in England and Wales - meaning flooding is expected - and more than 200 flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible.There are nearly 60 flood warnings in place in England and Wales - meaning flooding is expected - and more than 200 flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible.
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said: "People should be prepared for disruption to travel on roads, rail, bridges and ferries and we could see possible damage to structures and downed trees risk affecting power.
"The wind will be combined with some hefty showers with some thunder along the south coast."
Problems so far include:Problems so far include:
BBC WeatherBBC Weather
Environment Agency flood warnings for England and WalesEnvironment Agency flood warnings for England and Wales
Flood warnings for ScotlandFlood warnings for Scotland
Gary Webb, of Highways England, said: "We would encourage drivers, especially those driving high-sided vehicles, motorcycles or considering a trip with a caravan, to consider driving conditions before setting off as they could be difficult.Gary Webb, of Highways England, said: "We would encourage drivers, especially those driving high-sided vehicles, motorcycles or considering a trip with a caravan, to consider driving conditions before setting off as they could be difficult.
"If you do have to make a journey by road be prepared, plan your journey in advance and check the latest weather conditions along your route."If you do have to make a journey by road be prepared, plan your journey in advance and check the latest weather conditions along your route.
"Be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space. In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes.""Be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space. In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes."
This could affect the Severn crossings and structures as far east as the QEII Bridge at Dartford, Highways England said.This could affect the Severn crossings and structures as far east as the QEII Bridge at Dartford, Highways England said.
Forecasters said winds would gradually ease through the afternoon and evening.Forecasters said winds would gradually ease through the afternoon and evening.
Live flood warnings from the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection AgencyLive flood warnings from the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
Are you affected by Storm Imogen? Email your experiences to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you affected by Storm Imogen? Email your experiences to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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