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Wind and rain disrupting Christmas travel in the UK | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Heavy rain and strong winds have hit western parts of the UK, while travellers are warned of disruption elsewhere throughout the day. | |
The Met Office has issued amber warnings for rain for Wales, the east of England, south-west England and London and the South East on Monday. | |
A number of train companies have reduced or cancelled services and the AA warned road disruption was likely. | |
People have been advised to avoid travelling unless it is "essential". | |
Some of the worst affected areas include: | |
The Met Office amber warnings run from 07:00 GMT on Monday to 09:00 on Tuesday. | |
BBC weather forecaster Nick Miller said that a rapidly deepening area of low pressure was pushing more stormy weather across the UK, including a heightened risk of flooding. | |
Chris Burton, from weather forecaster MeteoGroup, said up to 2in (50mm) of rain was expected to fall across southern areas of England, the Midlands and Wales. | Chris Burton, from weather forecaster MeteoGroup, said up to 2in (50mm) of rain was expected to fall across southern areas of England, the Midlands and Wales. |
Forecasters said the conditions would ease off for Christmas Day and Boxing Day before possibly returning on Friday. | Forecasters said the conditions would ease off for Christmas Day and Boxing Day before possibly returning on Friday. |
Flooding | Flooding |
The Environment Agency said there was a medium risk of flooding on Monday in southern areas, including Hampshire, Kent, West Sussex, Surrey, the south west of England and Greater London. | The Environment Agency said there was a medium risk of flooding on Monday in southern areas, including Hampshire, Kent, West Sussex, Surrey, the south west of England and Greater London. |
Several flood warnings and alerts - which are updated every 15 minutes - are currently in place across England and Wales. | Several flood warnings and alerts - which are updated every 15 minutes - are currently in place across England and Wales. |
The agency's director of operations, David Jordan, warned people not to try to drive through floodwater. | The agency's director of operations, David Jordan, warned people not to try to drive through floodwater. |
"Tragically, people die because they've taken risks and attempted to drive through floodwater just to save a few minutes," he said. | |
"If there is widespread flooding in your area then don't travel and if a road is closed then turn around and make a detour." | "If there is widespread flooding in your area then don't travel and if a road is closed then turn around and make a detour." |
Pete Fox from the Agency warned that driving into just 30cm of water was enough to carry a car away. | Pete Fox from the Agency warned that driving into just 30cm of water was enough to carry a car away. |
He added: "We're going to see river flooding in all likelihood tomorrow and on through the Christmas period. | He added: "We're going to see river flooding in all likelihood tomorrow and on through the Christmas period. |
"So if people are living at flood risk, they need to take heed of warnings they receive. | "So if people are living at flood risk, they need to take heed of warnings they receive. |
"And if they are planning to leave their house, they need to make sure they move valuables upstairs, otherwise they might come back to a very soggy Christmas." | "And if they are planning to leave their house, they need to make sure they move valuables upstairs, otherwise they might come back to a very soggy Christmas." |
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued several flood warnings for Tayside, as well as alerts for other areas. | The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued several flood warnings for Tayside, as well as alerts for other areas. |
Travel advice | Travel advice |
A number of train companies have already reduced or cancelled services, and have imposed speed restrictions on some routes. | |
Many operators have advised customers with tickets for Monday afternoon to travel earlier and to check the National Rail Enquiries website or speak to their train company. | |
The AA said Monday was likely to be one of the busiest days on the road ahead of Christmas. | |
"Driving conditions in places are going to pretty horrible... with reduced visibility and standing water causing problems," it said. | "Driving conditions in places are going to pretty horrible... with reduced visibility and standing water causing problems," it said. |
The Highways Agency, which manages major roads in England, is advising drivers of vehicles vulnerable to high winds to avoid certain roads if possible. | The Highways Agency, which manages major roads in England, is advising drivers of vehicles vulnerable to high winds to avoid certain roads if possible. |
It said gusts of up to 60mph were likely in areas south of the M4 and as far east as Suffolk, with 70mph gusts likely on routes close to the coast. | It said gusts of up to 60mph were likely in areas south of the M4 and as far east as Suffolk, with 70mph gusts likely on routes close to the coast. |
Its head of on-road services, John McTaggart, said: "Road users are urged to check traffic and weather conditions before setting out on journeys, and to heed any advice such as speed restrictions. | Its head of on-road services, John McTaggart, said: "Road users are urged to check traffic and weather conditions before setting out on journeys, and to heed any advice such as speed restrictions. |
"Be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles plenty of space." | "Be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles plenty of space." |
The agency said it may need to close certain bridges in the event of persistent high winds. | The agency said it may need to close certain bridges in the event of persistent high winds. |
While there are currently no planned flight delays, Heathrow and Stansted have advised passengers to check with their airline before travelling to the airports on Monday. | While there are currently no planned flight delays, Heathrow and Stansted have advised passengers to check with their airline before travelling to the airports on Monday. |
Gatwick said that although some adverse weather was expected the airport did not expect it to cause any problems. | Gatwick said that although some adverse weather was expected the airport did not expect it to cause any problems. |
On Sunday, 40 firefighters were called to Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders after a flash flood swept through the town. Gale force winds damaged ancient woodland in Gwynedd. | On Sunday, 40 firefighters were called to Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders after a flash flood swept through the town. Gale force winds damaged ancient woodland in Gwynedd. |
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. |
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