CAMBRIDGESHIRE Eleanor storms in
80mph winds and torrential rain to lash UK
‘Injuries and danger to life’
Britain faces hurricane-force winds today as Storm Eleanor blasts its way across the country.
Western coasts were expected to feel the full force of 80mph winds and heavy downpours last night.
Gusts of 60mph are expected in London today, with risks of injury from flying debris, while harsher winds are expected in some exposed areas.
Forecasters say the storm could pose a ‘danger to life’ – especially combined with high tides – as well as disrupt transport networks and power supplies. thousands of homes and businesses were without power in the republic of ireland last night, and a 97mph gust was recorded at Connaught airport.
Many areas – including Cambridgeshire and along the thames – face flooding until tomorrow, with the Environment agency issuing 61 flood warnings across the country. it comes as a woman was last night fighting for her life in hospital after being caught by a freak wave at the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall on new Year’s Day.
Last weekend, photographer James Pearce caught a man balanced on rocks surrounded by dangerous waves at Godrevy Lighthouse near St ives. Moments later, just after the man had moved on, the rocks were submerged by the rising tide.
the Met Office said: ‘ Public transport may be disrupted or cancelled and some bridges are likely to be closed. Power cuts and disruption to other services – mobile phones for example – may also occur, while injuries from flying debris are possible.
‘Combined with a period of high tides, it is likely that some west- ern coastal communities will be affected by large waves and spray, and again there is a chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves, or beach material being thrown.’
the Environment agency warned that strong winds and waves could bring coastal flooding until tomorrow.
Flood duty manager neil Davies said: ‘ We urge people to ... take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades, and don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger trying to take “storm selfies”.’
Forecasters expect a return to ‘much colder’ conditions over the weekend with a risk of frost and ice, particularly in the north.