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100mph storm winds batter south 100mph storm winds batter south
(10 minutes later)
Winds of up to 100mph (160km/h) have hit parts of the UK as a storm moves across Wales and southern 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.
The Environment Agency has seven flood warnings and 65 less serious flood watches in place in England and Wales.The Environment Agency has seven flood warnings and 65 less serious flood watches in place in England and Wales.
Property has been damaged by high winds (Pic: Jonathan Bradshaw) Your pictures: Storm damage Pregnant woman flees car in stormProperty has been damaged by high winds (Pic: Jonathan Bradshaw) Your pictures: Storm damage Pregnant woman flees car in storm
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."
Dover port was closed just after midday due to the high winds but reopened at 1630 GMT. Dover port was closed just after midday due to the high winds but reopened at 1630 GMT. The port says delays are likely due to gusting winds in the Channel.
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.
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" boards being ripped up in Brighton and Bexhill.There were also calls reporting roof tiles and "for sale" boards being ripped up in Brighton and Bexhill.
Elsewhere, around 60 homes were damaged in Benfleet, Essex, after residents said a tornado struck The Fairway area of the town.Elsewhere, around 60 homes were damaged in Benfleet, Essex, after residents said a tornado struck The Fairway area of the town.
Fire crews who assessed the damage said TV aerials and roof tiles had been removed, although eight properties were more badly damaged.Fire crews who assessed the damage said TV aerials and roof tiles had been removed, although eight properties were more badly damaged.
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."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."
LATEST WIND GUSTS Langdon Bay (Kent): 79mphThe Needles: 78mphSolent: 68mphSolent: 76mphIsle of Portland: 66mphGravesend: 62mphHeathrow: 59mph Source: BBC Weather Centre, 1600 GMT Flood alerts follow downpours Storms result in chaos Weather warning over floodsLATEST WIND GUSTS Langdon Bay (Kent): 79mphThe Needles: 78mphSolent: 68mphSolent: 76mphIsle of Portland: 66mphGravesend: 62mphHeathrow: 59mph Source: BBC Weather Centre, 1600 GMT Flood alerts follow downpours Storms result in chaos Weather warning over floods
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.
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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