Britain hit by inclement weather
27/08/2010
Home insurance companies may have begun to field the first of their wintry claims as torrential rain and gale forced winds battered some areas of Britain.
More than half the normal monthly amount of rainfall, up to 4cm (1.5in), fell overnight in parts of southern England, in tandem with 40mph winds.
Holiday resorts in Britain are likely to experience unsettled conditions throughout the week, with blustery conditions hitting the end of the traditional summer breaks.
Thorney Island in Hampshire was one of the areas to be affected by the stormy weather moving across southern England. Nearly 4cm of rain fell overnight, with half the total falling between midnight and 1am. Wind speeds hit a maximum of 40mph, or gale force eight. Plymouth experienced similar inclement weather, making travel conditions treacherous.
Widespread flash flooding looked to have been averted, however, with fire brigades in Hampshire and Devon reporting no major call-outs.
The Met Office issued severe weather warnings overnight for Wales and much of England - predicting rainfall of up to 5cm (2in) in isolated areas.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
