This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24699748

The article has changed 30 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
Homes and power hit as storm peaks Girl dies as storm hits southern UK
(35 minutes later)
Around 220,000 homes are without power as a storm continues to batter parts of England and Wales. A 17-year-girl has died in Kent after a tree fell in the storm which is battering parts of England and Wales.
Rail services across much of southern Britain have been cancelled for the morning rush hour. Around 220,000 homes are without power, while rail services across much of southern Britain have been cancelled as high winds bought down trees.
The M4 Second Severn crossing has reopened but the M48 Severn Bridge is still closed, while 130 flights have been cancelled at Heathrow airport. Network Rail said the damage was "worse than expected," while 130 flights have been cancelled at Heathrow airport.
The Met Office said a gust of 99mph (159km/h) was recorded at Needles Old Battery, Isle of Wight, at 05:00 GMT.The Met Office said a gust of 99mph (159km/h) was recorded at Needles Old Battery, Isle of Wight, at 05:00 GMT.
The Environment Agency has issued 13 flood warnings - in south-west and south-east England, there are also 152 flood alerts across England and Wales.The Environment Agency has issued 13 flood warnings - in south-west and south-east England, there are also 152 flood alerts across England and Wales.
UK Energy Networks, which represents power companies across the UK, confirmed 220,000 homes are without power.UK Energy Networks, which represents power companies across the UK, confirmed 220,000 homes are without power.
Network Rail said more than 100 fallen trees trees have been found on lines and are being cleared by special trains. Network Rail said more than 100 fallen trees trees have been found on lines, and several hundred staff have been working to monitor conditions and react to any damage.
Robin Gisby, network operations managing director said: "In four cases the train being sent through to inspect the line has hit a fallen tree and we have one train in Devon which is currently disabled following a collision with a fallen tree. We are also dealing with a landslip in the New Forest area." Robin Gisby, Network Rail's managing director of network operations, said: "While conditions were as forecast during the early part of the morning, the damage caused by the storm has been more severe than expected as it has tracked eastwards to the north of London and across to East Anglia.
Mr Gisby added: "As the storm passes from west to east, we will be carrying out safety assessments as quickly as possible to clear routes and get trains running safely." "As a result, the West Coast, East Coast and Midland main lines are all currently blocked at their southern ends as a result of fallen trees and damage to power lines and all services are currently suspended on the Anglia route, where the storm is currently."
Other travel warnings include:Other travel warnings include:
In other developments:In other developments:
BBC weather forecasters said the highest gust of wind at 99mph (159km/h) was recorded at Needles Old Battery, Isle of Wight.BBC weather forecasters said the highest gust of wind at 99mph (159km/h) was recorded at Needles Old Battery, Isle of Wight.
In more populous areas including Lyneham, near Swindon; Yeovilton in Somerset and Hurn, near Bournemouth, speeds of 74-75mph (119-121km/h) had been recorded.In more populous areas including Lyneham, near Swindon; Yeovilton in Somerset and Hurn, near Bournemouth, speeds of 74-75mph (119-121km/h) had been recorded.
BBC weather forecaster Mike Silverstone said the wind was moving inland.BBC weather forecaster Mike Silverstone said the wind was moving inland.
He said: "At the moment we've got some really strong winds running across parts of southern England and into the south Midlands.He said: "At the moment we've got some really strong winds running across parts of southern England and into the south Midlands.
"That core is running north-eastwards into East Anglia in the next two to three hours."That core is running north-eastwards into East Anglia in the next two to three hours.
"We will probably continue to see winds of 70 to 80mph before it runs into the North Sea by about 11.00 GMT.""We will probably continue to see winds of 70 to 80mph before it runs into the North Sea by about 11.00 GMT."
The Metropolitan Police is urging people to use its 101 number during the storm rather than 999, unless there is a "genuine" emergency.The Metropolitan Police is urging people to use its 101 number during the storm rather than 999, unless there is a "genuine" emergency.
Wind speeds of 115 mph were recorded during the so-called Great Storm of October 1987.Wind speeds of 115 mph were recorded during the so-called Great Storm of October 1987.
There is more information about the forecasts for Monday on the BBC Weather, Met Office and Environment Agency websites. See BBC Travel News for up to date travel information and the Highways Agency and Traffic Wales websites for details about road conditions. BBC Local has information from your area.There is more information about the forecasts for Monday on the BBC Weather, Met Office and Environment Agency websites. See BBC Travel News for up to date travel information and the Highways Agency and Traffic Wales websites for details about road conditions. BBC Local has information from your area.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditionsRead the terms and conditions