Andy’s career in peril
Britain battered by 80mph Eleanor
BRITAIN was braced for a hurricane last night as Storm Eleanor blasted the coast.
Parts of Scotland were put on high alert for a midnight tidal surge, with ‘significant’ flooding forecast.
The Met Office upgraded its severe weather warning from yellow ‘be aware’ to amber ‘be prepared’.
It warned there was a risk to life from flying debris.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency had 14 flood warnings in place, centred on the Solway and West Coast.
Thousands of homes and businesses were without power in Ireland and a 97mph gust was recorded at Connaught Airport in Knock, County Mayo.
Forecasters said the storm could pose a lethal danger – especially combined with high tides – and warned of disruption to transport networks and power supplies.
Gusts of 60mph were expected in London, and Cambridgeshire and the Thames Valley was on flood alert.
In Cornwall, a woman was fighting for life in hospital after being caught by a freak wave while walking near Lizard Point.
The Environment Agency issued 61 flood warnings for England and Wales.
Last night, 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 western coastal communities will be affected by large waves and spray.
‘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 overnight. 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 ice in the north.