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Britain 'braced for heavy storms' Britain 'braced for heavy storms'
(about 1 hour later)
Heavy storms are on their way to batter many parts of the UK, forecasters have warned.Heavy storms are on their way to batter many parts of the UK, forecasters have warned.
Winds of up to 80mph coupled with downpours of rain could cause chaos for commuters during Thursday's morning rush hour.Winds of up to 80mph coupled with downpours of rain could cause chaos for commuters during Thursday's morning rush hour.
Much of England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be hit by storms while Scotland is bracing itself for snow.Much of England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be hit by storms while Scotland is bracing itself for snow.
John Hammond from the BBC Weather Centre said: "People need to be prepared for real disruption."John Hammond from the BBC Weather Centre said: "People need to be prepared for real disruption."
Workers across Britain will wake up to gales and heavy downpours, he predicted.Workers across Britain will wake up to gales and heavy downpours, he predicted.
'Bear the brunt''Bear the brunt'
Snow storms will hit southern Scotland first before moving up to the central belt in time for rush hour. The Highlands and Grampians can expect them later in the day.Snow storms will hit southern Scotland first before moving up to the central belt in time for rush hour. The Highlands and Grampians can expect them later in the day.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, wind speeds will pick up throughout the day, reaching 60 to 70mph in some parts.In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, wind speeds will pick up throughout the day, reaching 60 to 70mph in some parts.
Wind and rain will be heaviest in the south of the country in the morning, but will pick up in Northern Ireland, Scotland and the north of England during the afternoon.Wind and rain will be heaviest in the south of the country in the morning, but will pick up in Northern Ireland, Scotland and the north of England during the afternoon.
The Highways Agency has advised all motorists to take extra care and to plan their routes in advance.The Highways Agency has advised all motorists to take extra care and to plan their routes in advance.
People need to keep an eye on forecasts and be careful when travelling John HammondBBC Weather CentrePeople need to keep an eye on forecasts and be careful when travelling John HammondBBC Weather Centre
South and west facing coastlines are expected to bear the brunt of the storms.South and west facing coastlines are expected to bear the brunt of the storms.
P&O Ferries reported delays on their crossings from Dover and have advised passengers due to sail from the port on 18 January not to travel.P&O Ferries reported delays on their crossings from Dover and have advised passengers due to sail from the port on 18 January not to travel.
But the damage could be most severe in inland areas which are less well-equipped to withstand extreme weather, Mr Hammond warned.But the damage could be most severe in inland areas which are less well-equipped to withstand extreme weather, Mr Hammond warned.
He said: "People need to keep an eye on forecasts and be careful when travelling."He said: "People need to keep an eye on forecasts and be careful when travelling."
Friday should be calmer, he added, but the following week could see the country in the grip of a cold snap.Friday should be calmer, he added, but the following week could see the country in the grip of a cold snap.
Despite an unusually mild start to January, he warned that temperatures are likely to plummet beyond the weekend.Despite an unusually mild start to January, he warned that temperatures are likely to plummet beyond the weekend.
He added: "Next week will be the first real taste of winter for most of us.He added: "Next week will be the first real taste of winter for most of us.
"There is a possibility of snow and temperatures will be struggling to rise above freezing.""There is a possibility of snow and temperatures will be struggling to rise above freezing."
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