FLOODS PUT DAMPENER ON CHRISTMAS
DRIVERS face huge delays today as millions battle through rain and floods to get home for Christmas.
Hundreds of weather warnings remain in place across Britain after a weekend of relentless rain caused traffic gridlock and rail delays.
The AA advised millions of drivers they face bumper-to-bumper traffic as they hit the road in the coming days.
After continual downpours – including a mini tornado in Chertsey, Surrey – motoring groups said surface water had led to several accidents and gridlocked roads.
Highways England warned motorists to adapt their driving for wet weather by slowing down, keeping well back from the vehicle in front and easing off the accelerator if steering becomes unresponsive.
Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said: “There is a risk of seeing slow travel times.” He said the weather “could be disruptive, due to the number of people wanting to travel”.
More than 300 flood alerts or warnings remain in place as heavy rain brought misery just as the country prepares for Christmas. Further is forecast for today.
Over the weekend, the Met Office issued a “severe” yellow warning for rain across the South of England with a “likely” risk of properties being flooded.
Firefighters rescued 20 people from their homes on a caravan park after three rivers burst their banks.
A lone horse box was left submerged in the floods as specialist crews had to help people at Little Venice Caravan Park in Yalding, near Tonbridge, Kent.
In West Sussex many businesses were deluged when the River
Arun burst its banks in Pulborough.
And in East Sussex huge swathes of farmland were submerged.
The Environment Agency has 91 flood warnings still in place.
However, last night the Met Office forecast that the worst of the rain is now over.
And they said that Britain can at least look forward to a dry Christmas Day.