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Britain braced for stormy weather Rain and winds begin hitting UK
(19 minutes later)
Stormy weather is set to hit parts of the UK over the weekend, with the south and west taking the initial brunt of heavy rain and strong winds. Storms are due in parts of the UK this weekend, with the south and west first to be hit by heavy rain and high winds.
BBC weather forecaster Tomasz Schafernaker said the weekend would have a "stormy first half" before quietening down. BBC forecaster Tomasz Schafernaker said the weekend would have a "stormy first half" before quietening down.
There could be up to 75mm (3in) of rain on hills of Dartmoor, Exmoor and Wales while much of the UK will see 25mm. The Highways Agency urged drivers to check travel information before setting out on Friday evening and into the night, when severe gales are predicted.
And more stormy weather could also hit the country next week. Some ferries from Dover have been delayed by rough weather, and the South East has seen some properties flooded.
Forecasts suggest there could be up to 75mm (3in) of rain on hills of Dartmoor, Exmoor and Wales, while much of the UK will see 25mm.
According to Mr Schafernaker rain on Friday will create unpleasant driving conditions, and winds will pick up across the southern UK on Friday night.According to Mr Schafernaker rain on Friday will create unpleasant driving conditions, and winds will pick up across the southern UK on Friday night.
These will reach 60mph (96km/h) to 70mph (113km/h) across the coasts of southern England.These will reach 60mph (96km/h) to 70mph (113km/h) across the coasts of southern England.
Travel disruption There may be a brief respite at the end of the weekend ahead of more unsettled weather into next week Met Office class="" href="/2/hi/uk_news/england/sussex/8358363.stm">Homes flood amid weather warning class="" href="/2/hi/europe/guernsey/8359071.stm">Unit shut after ceiling collapse
The gusts will peak on Saturday morning across the UK and at their strongest will reach 80mph on exposed coasts. Some SeaFrance crossings from Dover to Calais and LD Lines services to Boulogne suffered delays on Friday.
These winds could cause some damage, particularly to trees. Railway lines, bridges and air travel could also be disrupted. A Port of Dover spokesman warned passengers to expect disruptions.
Kent firefighters reported dealing with eight calls about minor flooding in properties and gardens in the west of the county on Friday morning, while East Sussex crews dealt with six similar calls.
Bennett Memorial Diocesan School in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, was closed because of flooding and sewage contamination.
In Guernsey, an activity centre for dementia sufferers at Castel Hospital was closed after heavy rain caused a ceiling collapse.
The Met Office website warns: "At this stage, forecasts suggest that there may be a brief respite at the end of the weekend ahead of more unsettled weather into next week."
Damage fears
High winds are expected to peak on Saturday morning across the UK and at their strongest will reach 80mph (129km/h) on exposed coasts.
Gusts could cause some damage, particularly to trees. Railway lines, bridges and air travel could also be disrupted.
In London, 75mph gusts on Saturday morning could affect travel and cause damage to buildings, trees and possibly power lines.In London, 75mph gusts on Saturday morning could affect travel and cause damage to buildings, trees and possibly power lines.
On late Saturday afternoon the weather is expected to become calmer, and on Sunday there will be lighter winds and some showers, especially across southern and western Britain.On late Saturday afternoon the weather is expected to become calmer, and on Sunday there will be lighter winds and some showers, especially across southern and western Britain.
And the outlook for next week suggests that more stormy weather could be heading towards the country.
Further updates are available on the BBC Weather website.Further updates are available on the BBC Weather website.