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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Samuel Osborne

Storm Katie: Winds prompt severe weather warnings as travel disrupted and property damaged across UK

Significant damage has been caused and travel has been disrupted as Storm Katie sweeps across the UK.

Severe weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office for London and southeast England, while a yellow warning for wind has been issued for south Wales, the East and South West.

Gusts of 60 to 70 mph have been predicted, particularly along the south coast.

Storm Katie has caused travel chaos across the UK, disrupting the flight schedules of many airports in southern England.

Railways have also been disrupted after planned Easter engineering works were exacerbated by fallen trees on a number of lines in Surrey and Sussex.

Rubble strewn across the road outside The Duchess public house in Battersea, south west London
A construction crane bent overnight in high winds brought by Storm Katie in south London (AFP/Getty)

In Battersea, south west London, high winds brought down part of a pub's roof support, spreading rubble across the road.

An industrial crane in Greenwich was bent double by the winds. No injuries have been reported, but Creekside Road was closed and a nearby building evacuated.

Richmond Park has been closed as a safety precaution.

Fallen trees and debris in flood water has also held up motorists, while the Dartford River Crossing and M48 Severn Bridge were closed completely overnight on Sunday by Highways England.

Junctions on the M6 Northbound have now been re-opened after being shut because of rain running off fields flooding the lanes.

Ships and ferries have also been suspended in Dover harbour due to the strong winds and high seas.

The London Fire Brigade has been called to more than 110 incidents, including collapsed scaffolding and fallen trees.

A spokesperson said: “Firefighters are always on hand should any buildings, hoardings or scaffolding be left in a precarious position and posing a risk to life because of high winds.

"Our 999 control officers have worked tirelessly to deal with hundreds of calls and get fire crews there as quickly as possible.

“To help stay safe during windy weather people should always clear gardens, balconies and window sills of anything that could be blown away. They should also take extra care if they venture outside and be careful using candles in the case of a power cut.”

Details of weather warnings for Monday 28 March, 2016 (Met Office)

Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: "There is likely to be a lot of surface spray on the roads, there could be localised flooding, and the winds could cause branches to come off the trees, and one or two tiles off the roof.

"On the south coast there could be quite large waves.

"People should keep tuned in to the forecast, and avoid the east coast, south coast and high grounds as well if possible. Allow extra time for your journey and if possible try and delay your journey as winds will tend to ease off throughout the day."

Additional reporting by agencies

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