UK storm disrupts Christmas travel
A severe winter storm has caused major travel problems in Britain, leading to substantial delays yesterday at London Gatwick Airport and on roads and rail lines at the height of the Christmas travel period.
The storm caused four deaths, and the Environment Agency issued hundreds of flood warnings across all of England and Wales, with a severe flood warning – the highest level, warning of danger to life – in south west England, where properties were expected to flood.
Gatwick Airport said its North Terminal was having ‘‘significant power outages’’ and advised passengers to check flight status before travelling to the airport. It said it was investigating the cause of the outage but that it was ‘‘definitely weather related.’’
In addition, Gatwick’s website said that no trains were running to or from the airport.
Rail officials said many trees fell during the night, leading to a reduction in services on Tuesday morning, the start of one of the busiest travel days of the year.
Some roads have also been closed by flooding and two dozen motorists were rescued from their vehicles overnight after becoming stranded.
The Energy Networks Association, which represents power companies across the UK, said 150,000 homes were without power, mainly in the south of England.