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Weather warning for parts of UK UK hit by strong gales and storms
(about 6 hours later)
Severe weather warnings are in place across the UK as forecasters warn of heavy rain and storms. Severe gales and heavy rain have caused havoc across the UK, with winds of up to 100mph.
In Northern Ireland, a motorist died when a tree fell on her car during high winds while more than 15,000 homes are still reported to be waiting for power. Exposed parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales saw the worst of the conditions into the evening.
Winds of up to 100mph are forecast there, with gales also expected in north-west Scotland and Orkney. In Downpatrick, a motorist died when a tree fell on her car while Northern Ireland Electricity says 15,000 homes are without power.
Meanwhile, a surfer had to be rescued after drifting a mile out to sea off the Kintyre coast at Machrihanish. However, forecasters say the weather is expected to become calmer in most parts of the UK later.
Storms are expected in western Scotland, Cumbria, Wales and western England. The dead motorist was a woman in her 30s whose car was struck by a tree on Strangford Road in Downpatrick at 1600 GMT on Saturday.
The dead motorist was a woman in her 30s whose car was struck by a tree on Strangford Road in Downpatrick at 1600 GMT. Surfer rescue
Rescue
Northern Ireland Electricity said major faults had been reported in Craigavon and Downpatrick, while Ballyclare and Bangor were also affected.Northern Ireland Electricity said major faults had been reported in Craigavon and Downpatrick, while Ballyclare and Bangor were also affected.
Some homes in Newry were left without power for a time, but that has since been restoredSome homes in Newry were left without power for a time, but that has since been restored
At one stage up to 70,000 homes were also left without electricity in the Republic of Ireland.At one stage up to 70,000 homes were also left without electricity in the Republic of Ireland.
The 22-year-old surfer was rescued by a helicopter crew just before 1700 GMT after being caught up in heavy storms. Meanwhile, a surfer had to be rescued after drifting a mile out to sea off the Kintyre coast at Machrihanish.
The 22-year-old was rescued by a helicopter crew just before 1700 GMT on Saturday after being caught up in heavy storms.
He was taken to hospital with suspected mild hypothermia.He was taken to hospital with suspected mild hypothermia.
A coastguard spokesman said the wind had whipped up to force 11, one grade below hurricane conditions.A coastguard spokesman said the wind had whipped up to force 11, one grade below hurricane conditions.
"There were two guys, and one of them lost sight of his mate and got washed out."There were two guys, and one of them lost sight of his mate and got washed out.
"We got things going and he was located by the Prestwick helicopter just before it got dark, so he was very lucky.""We got things going and he was located by the Prestwick helicopter just before it got dark, so he was very lucky."
In Wales, forecasters warn that winds strong enough to cause structural damage to buildings could affect western areas. In Scotland's Western Isles, people were told not to travel because of severe gales in the Outer Hebrides.
Gale force winds gusting up to 70mph are forecast to bring heavy rain to exposed coasts around Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. In western Wales, forecasters warned of winds gusting up to 70mph which were strong enough to cause structural damage to buildings.
In Scotland's Western Isles, people are being told not to travel with severe gales forecast for the Outer Hebrides. Wind chill
'Be prepared'
The high winds will also affect western parts of Argyll and Bute.
Police have warned householders to secure loose objects lying in their gardens.
The BBC Weather Centre's Rob McElwee said there would be more outbreaks of rain across the whole of the UK.
He said a severe weather warning remained in place and added: "The single word 'stormy' describes the weather."
He said there will be hail and rain in south west England and strong winds in the Northern isles and English Channel.
He added Scotland could expect to see sleet and said: "There will be several centimetres of snow falling in the Highlands."
The wet, blustery weather is being caused by a deep Atlantic depression very close to the north west of Scotland.The wet, blustery weather is being caused by a deep Atlantic depression very close to the north west of Scotland.
Conditions were forecast to be calmer later as the low pressure moves to the north, but some wintry showers are expected.
The BBC Weather Centre's Rob McElwee said there would be more outbreaks of rain across the whole of the UK.
He said Northern Ireland and Scotland could expect to see some sleet with several centimetres of snow falling in the Highlands.
Mr McElwee said: "It is going to feel quite cold. It will be about 6-7C but with the added wind chill, it will feel closer to freezing."Mr McElwee said: "It is going to feel quite cold. It will be about 6-7C but with the added wind chill, it will feel closer to freezing."
The AA has warned drivers to check their routes are clear before embarking on journeys.
Paul Watters, head of roads and transport, said: "Be prepared. Make sure your car is ready for the trip, and if you are not in any rush, maybe put it on hold."
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Send your weather pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your weather pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here.
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