Two Die As Storm Batters Country
Baku, December 24 (AZERTAC). Two people have died after falling into rivers as rain and gale force winds cause travel chaos and leave thousands without power. A man died in Cumbria after falling into the River Rothay at Ambleside triggering a large rescue search involving the police, RAF, Coastguard, and mountain rescue teams. In a separate incident, a woman died after falling into a river at Gwynedd in North Wales.
A motorist died on Sunday at Bolventor, in Cornwall after a three-car accident during a hail storm.
In Horsham, West Sussex, two children were treated for minor injuries after being hit by branches from a falling tree.
Flood warnings were in place across the whole country as it was hit by relentless rain falling on already saturated ground and winds whipping to 70-80mph. Around 3,000 homes are without power in Cornwall and a further 2,000 in other parts of the South West after high winds brought down power lines, according to Western Power Distribution. According to Southern Electricity, there are 1,100 without power in Berkshire.
The spokesman for the Met Office said a new wind speed high had been recorded at Capel Curig in Conwy, North Wales, with gusts blowing at 87mph.
Not far behind was Berry Head in Torbay, Devon, with gusts of 76mph.
The Dartford QE2 bridge is closed until 4am tomorrow morning, the M48 Severn Bridge is closed to high-sided vehicles and the Sheppey Crossing in Kent has also been closed until Tuesday morning.
An Essex police spokesman said: "The tunnels will remain open to help maintain the flow of traffic, but congestion is expected so drivers are advised to seek alternative routes if possible or avoid the Thurrock and Dartford areas of Essex and Kent."
In London, Royal Parks officials closed Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, Bushy Park, St James's Park and Green Park due to the high winds expected overnight on Monday.
The Met Office has issued more than 200 amber "be prepared" warnings across the country. There are 56 "immediate action required" flood warnings in place and one severe warning - meaning lives are at risk - at the Sea Life Centre in the area of Lodmoor, Weymouth.
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