Wind Warning Issued: Storm Bert Hits Surrey and Hampshire
Severe gales and heavy rain batter the South East, causing widespread disruption.
A severe wind warning has been issued for Surrey and Hampshire as Storm Bert sweeps across the South East of England. The storm, bringing gusts of up to 70mph, has caused widespread disruption, with fallen trees blocking roads, power outages affecting thousands, and travel severely impacted. Residents are urged to take precautions and stay informed about the latest weather updates.
Storm Bert: The Impact on Surrey and Hampshire
The impact of Storm Bert is being felt acutely across both counties. Surrey has seen particularly heavy rainfall leading to localized flooding in low-lying areas. The Environment Agency has issued several flood alerts, advising residents to be prepared for potential flooding. Meanwhile, Hampshire is experiencing significant disruption to transport networks, with several train lines suspended and roads closed due to fallen trees and debris.
Surrey: Flooding and Power Outages
In Surrey, the areas most affected include Guildford, Woking, and Epsom. Reports of flooding are coming in from several residential areas, with emergency services working to pump water away from affected properties. Thousands of homes are also experiencing power outages, with utility companies working tirelessly to restore electricity supplies. Surrey residents are advised to check on vulnerable neighbours and to avoid unnecessary travel.
Hampshire: Transport Chaos and Structural Damage
Hampshire has experienced significant disruption to its transport network. Fallen trees have blocked major roads, including the A3 and M3, causing significant delays and congestion. Train services have been severely impacted, with several lines suspended due to safety concerns. There are also reports of structural damage to some buildings, with emergency services attending to several incidents across the county. Hampshire residents are urged to exercise caution when travelling and to avoid areas affected by fallen trees.
Safety Advice and Precautions
With Storm Bert continuing to batter the region, it's crucial for residents to prioritize safety. Here's some essential advice:
- Stay indoors: Avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm.
- Secure loose objects: Bring anything that could be blown away indoors, such as garden furniture and bins.
- Charge your devices: In case of a power outage, ensure your mobile phone and other electronic devices are fully charged.
- Monitor weather updates: Stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and warnings from the Met Office.
- Check on vulnerable neighbours: Make sure elderly or vulnerable neighbours are safe and have access to essential supplies.
- Report damaged power lines: Do not approach fallen power lines; report them to your electricity provider immediately.
- Be aware of flooding: Avoid driving or walking through floodwater.
Looking Ahead: Clean-up and Recovery
The clean-up operation is expected to take several days. Local councils are working to clear fallen trees and debris from roads and public spaces. Utility companies are also working hard to restore power supplies to affected homes and businesses. The full extent of the damage caused by Storm Bert will not be known for some time.
This is a developing situation. We will continue to update this article with the latest information as it becomes available.
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(Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not include specific links to official sources. Always refer to official government websites and weather services for the most up-to-date and accurate information.)