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100mph storm winds batter south 100mph storm winds batter south
(about 1 hour later)
Winds of up to 100mph (160km/h) have battered parts of the UK as a storm moves across the south coast of England. Winds of up to 100mph (160km/h) have hit parts of the UK as a storm moves across Wales and southern England.
The figure was recorded at The Needles on the Isle of Wight, while Southampton was hit by winds of 59mph (94km/h).The figure was recorded at The Needles on the Isle of Wight, while Southampton was hit by winds of 59mph (94km/h).
A squally weather front is moving east with winds dying down behind that. Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to Kent are worst affected.A squally weather front is moving east with winds dying down behind that. Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to Kent are worst affected.
Dover port was closed on Saturday afternoon due to the high winds. The Environment Agency has 26 flood warnings in place in England and Wales, 18 of them in the southern region.
BBC weather forecaster Chris Fawkes said: "It's worth pointing out that winds are usually strong at The Needles but that's nevertheless a beast of a gust."BBC weather forecaster Chris Fawkes said: "It's worth pointing out that winds are usually strong at The Needles but that's nevertheless a beast of a gust."
Residents evacuatedResidents evacuated
Dover port was closed on Saturday afternoon due to the high winds.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service dealt with two reported lightning strikes in Horsham and Crawley.West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service dealt with two reported lightning strikes in Horsham and Crawley.
Storm winds have caused damage across southern England href="/2/hi/uk_news/wales/wales_politics/8359751.stm">Homes and roads hit by flooding href="/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/8359309.stm">Heavy rain and gales cause chaos href="/2/hi/uk_news/england/8358363.stm">Homes flood amid weather warning href="/2/hi/europe/guernsey/8359071.stm">Unit shut after ceiling collapse Property has been damaged by high winds (Pic: Jonathan Bradshaw) href="/2/hi/uk_news/england/8360280.stm">Flooding alerts follow downpours href="/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/8360190.stm">Gale-force storms result in chaos href="/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8360168.stm">Weather warning as floods strike href="/2/hi/uk_news/england/dorset/8360187.stm">Pregnant woman flees car in storm
Firefighters took down a "dangerous" kebab shop sign which had become dislodged by strong winds in Gravesend, Kent. Firefighters took down a "dangerous" kebab shop sign which had become dislodged by strong winds in Gravesend, Kent
Crews in East Sussex went to Hove railway station after roof sheeting became detached.Crews in East Sussex went to Hove railway station after roof sheeting became detached.
There were also calls reporting roof tiles and "for sale" signs being ripped up in Brighton and Bexhill.There were also calls reporting roof tiles and "for sale" signs being ripped up in Brighton and Bexhill.
Residents were evacuated while firefighters made safe nines houses damaged by wind in Benfleet, Essex. Residents were evacuated while firefighters made safe nines houses damaged by wind in Benfleet.
The Environment Agency has 26 flood warnings in place in England and Wales, 18 of them in the southern region. Jonathan Bradshaw, who sent pictures of storm damage in the Essex town, said: "We were woken by the sound of debris hitting the window. We got to the window just in time to see the fence collapse."
Tree fireTree fire
On Friday fire crews were called to Cannington, Somerset, where part of a flat felt roof was ripped off, bringing down power and phone lines.On Friday fire crews were called to Cannington, Somerset, where part of a flat felt roof was ripped off, bringing down power and phone lines.
In Haywards Heath, West Sussex, people had to be rescued from four units on an industrial estate after being flooded by about 2ft (60cm) of water.In Haywards Heath, West Sussex, people had to be rescued from four units on an industrial estate after being flooded by about 2ft (60cm) of water.
STRONGEST WIND GUSTS The Needles: 100mph (160km/h)Solent: 75mph (120 km/h)Dover: 64mph (102 km/h)Plymouth: 64mph (102 km/h)Gravesend: 50mph (80 km/h)Heathrow: 47mph (75 km/h) Source: BBC Weather Centre LATEST WIND GUSTS The Needles : 97mphIsle of Portland : 75mphSolent : 68mphPlymouth : 64mphSouthampton : 61mphThe Mumbles : 58mph Source: BBC Weather Centre, 1400 GMT
The fire service said it had dealt with nearly 40 weather-related calls in the Haywards Heath area, and near Crawley a tree caught fire after being brought down on to power lines.The fire service said it had dealt with nearly 40 weather-related calls in the Haywards Heath area, and near Crawley a tree caught fire after being brought down on to power lines.
Firefighters in mid and west Wales said they had attended 141 calls. Pembrokeshire was hardest hit by widespread flooding of its road network, trapping a number of people in their cars.Firefighters in mid and west Wales said they had attended 141 calls. Pembrokeshire was hardest hit by widespread flooding of its road network, trapping a number of people in their cars.
A woman was rescued after being stranded by floodwater at Milford Haven and in Haverfordwest 12 people were rescued from a coach.A woman was rescued after being stranded by floodwater at Milford Haven and in Haverfordwest 12 people were rescued from a coach.
Other developments on Friday included travel problems ferry services between the UK and France.Other developments on Friday included travel problems ferry services between the UK and France.
Tomasz Schafernaker with the latest weatherTomasz Schafernaker with the latest weather
Further updates are available on the BBC Weather website.Further updates are available on the BBC Weather website.
Have you been affected by the storms? You can send us your experiences using the form below:Have you been affected by the storms? You can send us your experiences using the form below:
You can also send your pictures and video of stormy weather to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can click here to upload.You can also send your pictures and video of stormy weather to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can click here to upload.
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