Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BATTERED BY KATHLEEN
65mph gales & rain cause hell .. as new French storm blows in
STORM Kathleen left havoc in its wake yesterday after pounding Britain with 65mph winds and more heavy rain.
Gales and giant waves swept beach huts into the sea in Bournemouth, Dorset, Hordle, Hants, and Falmouth, Cornwall.
The River Arun burst its banks in West Sussex, flooding the seaside town of Littlehampton with residents evacuated or urged to reach higher ground. Forecasters issued 78 red flood warnings, 59 for England, 10 for Scotland and nine for Wales.
And they warned of more chaos today with Storm Pierrick – named by French forecasters – set to cross the Channel and pick up the baton from Kathleen, which first blew in at the weekend.
It is predicted to bring more destructive winds and propel them cross-country within hours.
Fields, roads and properties could all be blasted, sparking travel delays. Early yesterday fire crews scrambled to severe flooding at Medmerry holiday park in Chichester, West Sussex.
Emergency services evacuated more than 150 people and took one to hospital after showing signs of hypothermia.
Julie Everitt, 67, was petrified as water rushed into her front garden up to her door, while two toilet bowls floated down her road.
She said: “I was out in the front garden just to see how far it was coming up. All of a sudden, there was a surge. My garden was flooded and I was about two inches deep, treading in it. There was lots of debris everywhere where it all floated in.”
Dave Podesta, 75, stacked his campervan on bricks and created defences around his home, including bolting down manhole covers and putting barriers in front of his doors.
He said he has never had to use
the safeguards until now, adding: “This is the worst in 20 years. We’ve got to do everything we can to stop it.
“It’s such a nice place to live I’ve got to put up with it.”
Gareth Theobald, 36, of Shoreham-by-sea, said: “The amount of water is scary and unprecedented.”
West Sussex Fire and Rescue said: “Anyone within the vicinity should get to high ground if possible, unless unable to leave their residence.”
Areas of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight – said to be experiencing its highest ever tides – have been left submerged after heavy rainfall.
Flooding in Southampton, Havant and Hayling Island were also reported, with many coastal roads impassable.
Residents from as many as 50 homes were evacuated after flooding in Alverstoke, near Portsmouth.
Red Jets and Hovertravel crossings to the Isle of Wight were suspended.
Areas of the island once again found themselves underwater in the latest flooding nightmare as all shops on Cowes High Street were affected.
East Cowes councillor Karl Love said: “We haven’t seen this before. We have had one of the highest tides we have ever seen. It flooded in a very different place this time.
“While it only lasts for about an hour-and-a-half it’s done a lot of damage to our local community.”
South Western Railway cancelled, delayed or revised services because of the floods.
On the Great Western Railway, a deluge between Clifton Down in Bristol and Severn Beach, South Glos, meant all lines closed. Worcestershire County Cricket Club partially flooded after the River Severn burst its banks.
In Pembrokeshire, Dyfed-powys Police urged motorists to avoid the area around the A487 at Penycwm after surface water swamped it.
Strong winds brought a tree down on a van in Litherland, Merseyside.
The Environment Agency said coastal and tidal flooding is probable for much of England today.
Agency flood expert Harry Walton said: “A combination of spring tides and strong winds is generating a storm surge and large waves.
“Minor coastal flooding impacts are probable for parts of England on Monday and Tuesday.
“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding and support those communities affected.
“We urge people to stay safe on the coast, and take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades.”