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More high winds set to batter UK More high winds set to batter UK
(20 minutes later)
A powerful storm has hit the western and southern coasts of England, with forecasters warning of more to come.A powerful storm has hit the western and southern coasts of England, with forecasters warning of more to come.
There has been widespread disruption to roads, rail and air travel, while 10,000 homes are without power.There has been widespread disruption to roads, rail and air travel, while 10,000 homes are without power.
The Environment Agency said the first wave of storms only caused localised flooding but warned people should remain vigilant.The Environment Agency said the first wave of storms only caused localised flooding but warned people should remain vigilant.
Further high winds are expected to hit the coasts and 36 flood warnings are in place in England and Wales. Further high winds are expected to hit the coasts and 41 flood warnings are in place in England and Wales.
A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said: "The situation has now improved along parts of the south west and southern coasts."A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said: "The situation has now improved along parts of the south west and southern coasts."
Spring tidesSpring tides
It is urging people in those areas to stay vigilant, as spring tides combining with strong winds could cause flooding.It is urging people in those areas to stay vigilant, as spring tides combining with strong winds could cause flooding.
HAVE YOUR SAYWe have been flooded out on this morning's high tide - this is the worst for five yearsDamon, Cornwall class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=4448">Send us your comments HAVE YOUR SAYWe have had very heavy rain and wind overnightGal, Sunningdale class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=4448">Send us your comments
The flood warnings in Devon and Cornwall have been downgraded. Flood warnings in Devon and Cornwall have been downgraded.
The main areas now at risk of flooding are the Bristol Channel, Severn Estuary and the Somerset coast, where it is feared spring tides and the wind could cause flooding. The main areas now at risk of flooding are the Bristol Channel, Severn Estuary and the Somerset coast.
The Environment Agency is also using bulldozers to build up shingle to protect the coast in Sussex and Kent.The Environment Agency is also using bulldozers to build up shingle to protect the coast in Sussex and Kent.
In Selsey Bill, West Sussex, a lifeboat was sent to rescue 30 people from a caravan park after flood defences were breached at high tide.
A number of flights at Heathrow and Gatwick airports were cancelled, while speed restrictions were put in place on some rail lines.A number of flights at Heathrow and Gatwick airports were cancelled, while speed restrictions were put in place on some rail lines.
Flooding caused lane closures on the M25, while the Port of Dover was closed, with P&O Ferries unable to operate any of its Dover-Calais sailings. It has now reopened.Flooding caused lane closures on the M25, while the Port of Dover was closed, with P&O Ferries unable to operate any of its Dover-Calais sailings. It has now reopened.
Lost powerLost power
The RAC is advising drivers to be prepared for hazardous driving conditions over the next few days.The RAC is advising drivers to be prepared for hazardous driving conditions over the next few days.
The Sheppey Crossing has been closed. The M48 Severn Bridge between England and Wales was closed both ways because of high winds but one lane has since reopened. The M48 Severn Bridge between England and Wales was closed both ways because of high winds but one lane has since reopened.
Weather closes portTanker struggles in windThousands without power Small-scale flooding has affected parts of south west England, with residents putting out sandbags to protect homes in parts of Devon and Cornwall.Weather closes portTanker struggles in windThousands without power Small-scale flooding has affected parts of south west England, with residents putting out sandbags to protect homes in parts of Devon and Cornwall.
High winds have also caused considerable damage and disruption, blowing off garage roofs in Devon and west Wales, uprooting trees and bringing down power lines.High winds have also caused considerable damage and disruption, blowing off garage roofs in Devon and west Wales, uprooting trees and bringing down power lines.
A wind speed of 82mph was recorded in Berry Head in Brixham, south Devon, as well as at the Mumbles in Swansea.A wind speed of 82mph was recorded in Berry Head in Brixham, south Devon, as well as at the Mumbles in Swansea.
In south west England 7,000 homes are without power, with 3,000 affected in Wales. In south-west England, 7,000 homes are without power, with 3,000 affected in Wales.
In Cornwall, more than 30 properties in the seaside towns of Looe, Fowey, Mevagissey and Flushing were hit by wind-driven high tides.
Lloyds TSB Insurance says it has had a 150% increase in new claims registered in the first part of the day compared with a typical Monday morning.
Parts of north-east England and Scotland have been hit by snowfall as well as high winds with snow ploughs needed to keep some roads open.Parts of north-east England and Scotland have been hit by snowfall as well as high winds with snow ploughs needed to keep some roads open.