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Rescues as high winds and heavy rain sweep in Rescues as high winds and heavy rain sweep in
(40 minutes later)
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. Power lines have come down, a yachtsman has been rescued and a woman has been trapped in a car by a fallen tree as gales batter south-west England.
Gusts of nearly 60mph (97km/h) combined with storm-driven wave heights of up to 5m (16ft) have been recorded.Gusts of nearly 60mph (97km/h) combined with storm-driven wave heights of up to 5m (16ft) have been recorded.
A Jersey yachtsman was airlifted to safety after getting into difficulty off Cornwall.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.
The Met Office has issued an amber alert, warning people to take extra care outside.The Met Office has issued an amber alert, warning people to take extra care outside.
Incidents included:Incidents included:
  • 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
  • A tree blown down by strong winds brought down an overhead power line in Lanner in Redruth, temporarily affecting about 30 households
  • One lane of the Tamar Bridge between Devon and Cornwall closed because of high winds
  • Cancellation of Scillonian ferry sailing to the Isles of Scilly
  • Evacuation of a church marquee and closure of the sheep section marquee at the Royal Cornwall Show
  • 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
  • A tree blown down by strong winds brought down an overhead power line in Lanner in Redruth, temporarily affecting about 30 households
  • One lane of the Tamar Bridge between Devon and Cornwall closed because of high winds
  • Cancellation of Scillonian ferry sailing to the Isles of Scilly
  • Evacuation of a church marquee and closure of the sheep section marquee at the Royal Cornwall Show
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.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.
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.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.
He said: "I didn't get any sleep at all last night, the sea was so rough. I've never seen anything like it."He said: "I didn't get any sleep at all last night, the sea was so rough. I've never seen anything like it."
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.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."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.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.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."Mark Seltzer, from the Met Office, said: "People towing caravans should be aware of the strong winds because it could cause some snaking."