UK flights hit by severe weather triggered by Hurricane Gonzalo

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/oct/21/uk-flights-severe-weather-hurricane-gonzalo

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Thousands of UK air passengers face severe travel disruption on Tuesday after flights were cancelled due to high winds and heavy rain.

Heathrow staff said 10% of flights with the 20 biggest carriers into and out of the London airport would be cancelled as the remnants of Hurricane Gonzalo arrived in the UK.

Gusts of up to 75mph in coastal areas and 65mph inland will tear across much of the country, bringing disruption to many areas.

Wind and rain over Ireland on Monday afternoon reached north-western parts of Britain late in the evening, with gusts in Scotland by midnight.

Sean Penston, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said: “The area of rainy, windy weather will move eastwards, varying in intensity across the UK, with the strongest gusts on the coasts. We can expect gusts up to 65mph in the north west in the morning and up to 50mph in central and eastern parts of England in the afternoon.”

It will remain windy during the evening, but winds will gradually die down as the weather system passes.

The Met Office has issued a low level “yellow” weather warning. A spokesman said: “The strongest winds are expected on Tuesday as the low pressure clears eastwards. There remains the potential for localised disruption to travel, especially as the strongest winds will coincide with rush hour in places.

“Fallen leaves impeding drainage increases the risk of surface water affecting roads, while some damage to trees is possible, given that many are still in full leaf.”

Hurricane Gonzalo last week caused widespread damage and a power blackout when it hit Bermuda.

Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll has arrived at the tiny British territory to assist in the relief effort if required.

The Ministry of Defence said the vessel was equipped with a helicopter and a number of small boats to help with reconnaissance and transport and is also able to assist with power generation, communication and water supplies.

Michael Fallon, the defence secretary, said: “Royal Navy personnel are trained to respond to situations such as this and HMS Argyll is well resourced and ready to provide assistance to the people of Bermuda.”