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High winds and heavy rain batter south-west England Rescues as high winds and heavy rain sweep in
(about 3 hours later)
High winds and heavy rain have begun to batter parts of south-west England. Power lines have come down, a yachtsman has been rescued and a woman has been trapped in her car as high winds and heavy rain batter south-west England.
Gusts of up to 70mph (110km/h) combined with storm-driven wave heights of up to 5m (16ft) could lead to dangerous coastal conditions. Gusts of nearly 60mph (97km/h) combined with storm-driven wave heights of up to 5m (16ft) have been recorded.
Many passenger ferry services have been cancelled, including the Scillonian sailing to the Isles of Scilly and there has been disruption to flights. A Jersey yachtsman was airlifted to safety after getting into difficulty off Cornwall.
The Environment Agency has issued a number of flood alerts on rivers and coastal areas.The Environment Agency has issued a number of flood alerts on rivers and coastal areas.
Devon County Council's control room said although there were currently no major problems, the strengthening wind had brought some tree branches down and heavy rain had caused some gullies and drains to overflow. The href="http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/sw/sw_forecast_weather.html" >Met Office has issued an amber alert, warning people to take extra care outside.
href="http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/" >The Met Office said wind speeds of 50 to 60mph (80 to 97km/h) were "unseasonably" high and with trees in full leaf they could possibly damage or uproot trees. Incidents included:
Caravan 'snaking'
  • A woman rescued from her car by firefighters at Gulworthy near Tavistock after a tree was blown over, trapping her inside. She was not seriously injured
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  • A tree blown down by strong winds brought down an overhead power line in Lanner in Redruth, temporarily affecting about 30 households
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  • One lane of the Tamar Bridge between Devon and Cornwall closed because of high winds
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  • Cancellation of Scillonian ferry sailing to the Isles of Scilly
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  • Evacuation of a church marquee and closure of the sheep section marquee at the Royal Cornwall Show
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Mark Seltzer, from the Met Office, said with many people in the region for school half-term holidays it was important to warn them about the severe weather. Sailor Peter Evans, 54, was rescued after getting into difficulty on his 22ft yacht Federwolke in a Force 9 gale 40 miles off the Lizard.
"It's quite unusual to see these speeds of winds at this time of year, so we've issued an amber warning," he told BBC News. Mr Evans, who had set off from Plymouth on the single handed Jester Challenge race to the Azores, was forced to turn back after his boat was swamped by waves and capsized twice.
"We've seen some rain overnight already and the stronger winds are likely to occur later today, overnight and into Friday. He said: "I didn't get any sleep at all last night, the sea was so rough. I've never seen anything like it."
"People towing caravans should be aware of the strong winds because it could cause some snaking." Mr Evans was airlifted by a crew from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall, where he was looked after by his rescuers, who also provided him with some new clothing.
Terry Collins, watch manager at Falmouth Coastguard, which co-ordinated the rescue, said: "We do advise anyone setting out on the water take heed of weather forecasts and do not make journeys in conditions unsuitable for their vessel."
Through Thursday evening and Friday morning, the centre of the storm is expected to move slowly north-east, touching north Wales and exiting Britain as far north as Northumberland.
For Friday Met Office warnings over wind and rain are extended to include south Wales and many parts of southern England as well as the South West.
Mark Seltzer, from the Met Office, said: "People towing caravans should be aware of the strong winds because it could cause some snaking."