Weather in the general media (Newspaper features etc)

[Captain Shortwave]

Don't get what all the fuss is about, its Winter.

 

Expect it to be wet and windy. 

We haven't evolved to have webbed feet..... just yet 

Of course getting 225% of the average rainfall in January is normal then

[Summer Sun]

New flood and storm warnings for the South as days of heavy rain are set to cause more misery... but it's not stopping these surfers making the most of tidal surge

• Somerset has already been submerged under several inches of stagnant floodwater for more than a month
• Millions of gallons of water is being pumped away every day from the Somerset Levels
• Environment Secretary Owen Paterson has promised that 'everything possible is being done'
• The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings of winds of up to 80mph and heavy rain for the South West, southern England, south Wales and Northern Ireland from tomorrow until Wednesday
• Two people rescued from floodwater after their boat capsized and in Chaceley, near Tewkesbury, in Gloucestershire
• A group of fishermen had to be rescued after their boat was damaged in rough seas off the north Cornwall coast
• Scientists found dirty floodwaters contained high levels of bacteria which could be a danger to public health

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2550367/New-flood-storm-warnings-South-days-heavy-rain-set-cause-misery.html

[Summer Sun]

Floods and storms predicted as rescue services endure busy weekend

 

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/feb/02/floods-storms-continue-britain-weather

[Summer Sun]

Atlantic ‘storm factory’ to bring Britain more chaotic weather woes

 

BRITAIN will be battered by a “storm factory†this week as more violent weather tears in from the Atlantic. Officials have issued “danger to life†warnings as forecasters said a “deadly cocktail†of heavy rain, gales and high tides over 72 hours will hit communities already ravaged by floods. Hurricane-force winds of up to 100mph are forecast to lash the South and South-west as three low-pressure systems hurtle in from the west. In London the Government’s emergency planning committee COBRA met yesterday for talks on how to tackle the crisis. Storm expert Andrew Barrett, from Reading University, said: “There’s effectively a storm factory over the Atlantic, caused by cold polar air pressing up against warm tropical air. These have then been steered across Britain by a strong jet stream.â€

 

The warnings come as figures show rainfall measured at the Radcliffe Meteorological Station at Oxford University last month was the highest since records began in 1767. January was the wettest winter month ever recorded – smashing the previous record set in 1852. The Environment Agency warned the whole of the south of England will be at an “increased risk†of flooding within the next 24 hours. It said flood water could contain raw sewage and flow fast enough to move cars. The Met Office has issued a week of severe weather warnings for downpours which threaten to dump over an inch of rain in the next three days. Experts say the storms will carry on until the end of February at least. Gales are expected to pound coastal and highland areas from today, though the main thrust will hit tomorrow and Wednesday. It comes after weeks of relentless rain and wind has caused travel mayhem, floods and structural damage.

This weekend 1.5 million tons of water a day were pumped off the Somerset Levels.

 

Relief efforts were stepped up as two amphibious tank-style vehicles rolled in to transport up to 16 passengers and vital supplies. Designed for the Swedish military, the BV206s are able to access areas where the water is too deep for 4X4s but not deep enough for a boat. In Wales, more than 50 mountain rescuers had to battle atrocious conditions in an eight-hour rescue in the Cambrian Mountains. In Cornwall, a French fishing boat crew had to be airlifted to safety when huge waves damaged the hull and they lost power and steering. Two women surfers were rescued after being caught in a rip current off the south Devon coast. Brixham coastguards said they were surfing at Bantham when they got into trouble.

In Essex eight horses were rescued by rope lines from flooded fields next to the River Chelmer after they became stranded by rising water. Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said: “There is another major storm on the way this week, which again threatens torrential rain and gales of up to 100mph.

 

“We have a deadly cocktail of high tides, wind and torrential downpours which is going to heap yet more misery on flood-hit communities. “We have a three-pronged attack from three low pressure systems all arriving at once this week, with the worst of the weather set to hit on Tuesday and rage through the week.†Environment Secretary Owen ­Paterson, who was at the COBRA meeting, said yesterday: “Since ­Friday evening 73,000 homes have been protected in England from flooding. “The Environment Agency is working extremely hard to protect communities by deploying flood ­defences, sandbags and clearing ­waterways. “The pumping operation continues day and night in Somerset and today additional vehicles have been ­deployed by the county council.â€

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/457654/Atlantic-storm-factory-to-bring-Britain-more-chaotic-weather-woes

 

[Summer Sun]

Two weeks of STORMAGEDDON: The final deluge that will sink Britain

 

FLOOD-hit Britain is braced for more downpour hell with 15 days of rain set to lash the nation. A non-stop deluge and 70mph winds will batter the UK for the next two weeks. Experts warned we are living in the path of an Atlantic “storm factoryâ€. The south and west, already crippled by floods and weekend storms, will be hit hardest. The Environment Agency last night had three severe flood warnings in place along the River Severn as high tides and gale-force winds threaten the area. Experts said the entire south of England is at risk of flooding today, tomorrow and Wednesday. And Met Office forecaster Callum MacColl warned there was no let-up in sight. He said: “The 15-day outlook sees the unsettled theme very much continuing.â€

 

It comes as January was confirmed as the wettest month since records began in 1767. A total of 147mm of rain lashed Britain, smashing the 139mm record from 1852. Storm expert Andrew Barrett, of Reading University, said: “The conditions are exactly right to bring wet weather across Britain. “There’s effectively a storm factory over the Atlantic, caused by cold polar air pressing up against warm, tropical air, causing weather systems to form. “These have then been steered across Britain by a strong jet stream.†It was a busy weekend for emergency services with 180 homes flooding across the country. In the Somerset Levels, 1.5million tonnes of water a day were pumped off in a bid to reduce residents’ five-week flooding hell. In Wales, 50 rescuers battled storms in an eight-hour rescue in the Cambrian Mountains. In Scotland, coastguards braved rough seas to hunt for a missing angler off Aberdeenshire.

 

But in other areas, Brits took the chance to enjoy the wet weather. Surfers and wave-skiers rode the tidal Severn Bore as it passed Newnham, Glos, yesterday. And boozers carried each other across a car park to get to a pub in Minsterworth, Glos. Surfers and body-boarders sped through Bude on the fast-moving swollen River Neet, Cornwall. In Aberystwyth, mid Wales, police closed off the seafront as furious seas battered the promenade on Saturday night. Met Office forecaster Michael Lawrence said: “It’s staying unsettled – expect more rain, more strong winds.â€

 

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/363713/Two-weeks-of-STORMAGEDDON-The-final-deluge-that-will-sink-Britain

[Summer Sun]

Flood Chief: Tricky Decisions Must Be Made

 

The chairman of the Environment Agency says the Government must make a decision on whether to protect town or country, as further wind and rain threatens to bring more misery to flood-hit parts of Britain. Writing in the Telegraph, Lord Smith of Finsbury said the agency could not afford to protect both and "difficult decisions" would have to be made about where to "prioritise spending". He wrote: "Government lays down clear rules and the principle is that central government, through the Environment Agency, funds national benefits, and local people fund local benefits. "Yes, agricultural land matters and we do whatever we can with what we have to make sure it is protected. Rules from successive governments give the highest priority to lives and homes; and I think most people would agree that this is the right approach. "But this involves tricky issues of policy and priority: town or country, front rooms or farmland?

 

"Flood defences cost money; and how much should the taxpayer be prepared to spend on different places, communities and livelihoods - in Somerset, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, or East Anglia? "There's no bottomless purse, and we need to make difficult but sensible choices about where and what we try to protect." Lord Smith said more than one million homes have been defended across country, over the past couple of months - in the face of "everything that nature could throw at us". "I'm proud of what the Environment Agency and its staff have done," he added.

 

Meanwhile, waterlogged communities in the south of England have been told to brace themselves for the possibility of further flooding. Officials say fresh flooding could affect the south coasts of Devon and Cornwall today as well as Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The River Severn in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, the Frome and Avon in Dorset, the river Thames and its tributaries in Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, Reading, Slough and Hampshire and the Medway in Kent are all of concern this week.

 

Since early December, the UK has been hit by "extraordinary" weather and flooding. Those bearing the brunt of the storms have been in the south, where villagers in Somerset are bracing themselves for a sixth consecutive week of flooding. The Environment Agency's flood risk manager, Kate Marks, said that as high tides and large waves threaten the south coast, further rain on already saturated ground could lead to river flooding. She said: "With further severe weather conditions expected in the coming days, the Environment Agency is likely to issue further warnings so people should check their flood risk and get early warnings so they can take action to protect their property."

 

Over the weekend, almost 200 homes were flooded up and down the country. In the south of England, 1.5 million tons of water a day were pumped off the Somerset Levels. In Wales, more than 50 mountain rescuers had to battle atrocious weather conditions during a a daring eight-hour rescue in the Cambrian Mountains. And in Scotland, coastguards braved rough seas on the Aberdeenshire coast in the hunt for a missing angler in the early hours of Sunday morning.

 

http://news.sky.com/story/1205472/flood-chief-tricky-decisions-must-be-made

[Summer Sun]

Coastal communities in Devon and Cornwall flooded

 

Coastal towns in south-west England have been left flooded after being hit by strong winds, large waves and a high tide. The Environment Agency earlier warned of extreme danger on the Cornish coast and issued a severe flood warning. Places flooded in Cornwall include Looe, Fowey, Newlyn, Porthleven and Mevagissey. Devonport in Plymouth and Kingsbridge, Devon, are also flooded. The agency said beaches, promenades, roads and footpaths would be dangerous. Geoff Penhaligon, harbourmaster in Looe, said: "There is lots of water in the main street and behind the market it is too deep for a car.  "Water is just pouring from the sea into the main street."

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-26012890

[Summer Sun]

Floods: Warning As Victims Targeted By Thieves

 

Flood victims on the Somerset Levels, whose homes have been under water for more than a month, have been targeted by thieves. Households have reported seeing "suspicious people and vehicles", including "people out in boats" in the middle of the night, in the area which has been left isolated by the floods. One farmer was left without heating or hot water after around 600 gallons of domestic heating oil was stolen from his farm in Moorland overnight from Friday into Saturday.

 

During the same evening, two fire service quad bikes were taken from Burrowbridge. Police have said they are aware of the reports and have urged residents to remain "alert". "The problem is that we're getting so many flooding tourists and sightseers coming down here that it's hard to keep track of who's around, farmer James Winslade told the Western Daily Press. Thieves stole "more than half" the oil from his tank, leaving him without any heating or hot water. "At night it's very isolated. Some of the homes that are empty are being targeted and they are coming across the water on boats to get to them," he added.

 

Extra officers have been deployed to the area following thefts which are believed to have taken place overnight from January 31 to February 1. Chief Superintendent Caroline Peters, of Avon and Somerset Police, who is in charge of the floods response, said: "We are aware of reports in the community of suspicious people and vehicles being seen in the area, particularly after dark. "We have also heard rumours of people being out in boats at night, but at this stage we have no information to substantiate that. "Our message to the community is that we will do all we can to protect you and your property.

 

"I would ask everyone to be alert, to look out for your neighbours, and to call us at any time if we are needed." The warning comes as the Prime Minister's official spokesman said David Cameron wanted a premium rate government telephone helpline, set up by the Environment Agency for flood victims, to be "scrapped as quickly as it possibly can be". They are having to pay up to 10.5p a minute from landlines and  41p a minute from mobiles to call the 0854 number for advice, with all the money going to a private firm, according to The Sun newspaper. The PM's spokesman insisted the Government was providing "very significant" funding for flood defences both in rural and urban areas.

 

His comment came after Lord Smith of Finsbury, writing in The Daily Telegraph, warned Britain might have to choose whether it wanted to save "town or country" from future flooding because it was too costly to protect both. A total of 12 high volume pumps are in use across the Levels. The combined pumping is enough to fill an Olympic swimming pool every 90 seconds. Waterlogged communities have been told to brace themselves for more heavy rain and gusts of up to 70mph in some areas today. The Met Office chief forecaster said: "High tides and large waves will lead to the risk of minor coastal flooding, mainly due to wave and spray overtopping, whilst a spell of heavy rain is likely before winds come down.

 

"Another 20mm of rain, perhaps with 30mm or more locally Cornwall and Pembroke, is likely, much of it within three hours or so. Whilst totals will be less (5-10mm) further east, pre-existing saturation brings the risk of flooding here too. "Gales coupled with high tides brings the risk of waves overtopping coastlines." And with the bad weather expected to last for days to come, the River Severn in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, the Frome and Avon in Dorset, the river Thames and its tributaries in Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, Reading, Slough and Hampshire and the Medway in Kent are all of concern this week.

 

http://news.sky.com/story/1205638/floods-warning-as-victims-targeted-by-thieves

[Summer Sun]

UK weather: wind and rain will bring misery to the south

 

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/uk-weather-wind-and-rain-will-bring-misery-to-the-south-9102535.html

[Summer Sun]

Now flood-hit homes are targeted by THIEVES who steal fuel and quad bikes as South West is battered by huge storm and swathes of Britain remain underwater

• 600 gallons of heating oil stolen from farm and quad bikes taken from rescue workers on Somerset Levels
• Police forced to step up patrols and deploy helicopters to reassure residents and ward off criminals
• Volunteers forced to turn away 'flood tourists' who have flocked to the crisis-hit homes with cameras
• 180 new homes flooded overnight despite 1.5million tonnes of water pumped out a day
• Cornwall also hit last night as Environment Agency warns of more flooding to come

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2550930/Now-flood-hit-homes-targeted-THIEVES-steal-fuel-quad-bikes-South-West-battered-huge-storm-swathes-Britain-remain-underwater.html

[Summer Sun]

Renewed flooding hits coastal towns in Devon and Cornwall

 

Several coastal towns in south-west England have been hit by fresh flooding, disrupting business and severing road and rail links. Cornwall Council said there had been "a severe amount of coastal damage" and the Environment Agency warned of extreme danger on the Cornish coast. On the Somerset levels, thousands of hectares of land remain under water. Meanwhile, a cheaper helpline for flooding victims has been opened for calls. The prime minister had called for an end to the Environment Agency's use of premium rate numbers. The new Floodline number - 0345 988 11 88 - was released after complaints that callers were being charged up to 41p a minute to call the existing Environment Agency helpline, with the money going to a private company.

 

David Cameron later tweeted that he was "pleased" the number had been introduced. It comes as Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said the government was spending £100,000 a week extra to pump water in Somerset. Mr Paterson, who was questioned by MPs about the government's handling of the crisis, said 7,500 properties had been flooded since the start of December. He also confirmed there would be another meeting of the government's Cobra emergency planning committee on Monday afternoon - the sixth since Wednesday. Earlier, in Sussex, a woman died after being swept out to sea on Saturday.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26012299

[Summer Sun]

Environment Agency Boss Regrets Flood Response

 

The head of the Environment Agency has admitted his organisation has not done enough to prevent the flooding in Somerset.  Lord Smith said he regretted the agency's response and repeated his insistence that dredging of rivers in the Somerset Levels was not a complete solution. He told Sky News: "We probably haven't done as much as we should have done up to now and I regret that - but we've have very difficult choices to make.  "We've had reducing budgets to cope with. What we now need to do is work together with others - it's not just something for the Environment Agency - we need to work with others to address the issues for the future." Earlier, Lord Smith  writing in The Daily Telegraph, warned Britain might have to choose whether it wanted to save "town or country" from future flooding because it was too costly to protect both. More flood warnings are in place tonight ahead of another band of wet weather.

 

Some homes in Somerset have been under water for more than a month, with Met Office figures showing the area has had enough rainfall for a whole winter in just two months. A total of 12 high-volume pumps are in use across the Levels. The combined pumping is enough to fill an Olympic swimming pool every 90 seconds. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson confirmed today that the Parrett and Tone rivers will be dredged to help ease water levels.  He told the House of Commons: "We also agreed on the need for local organisations to come together on a partnership basis to fund the ongoing dredging and desilting that would be needed subsequently." Mr Paterson said that - in the longer term - a barrage might also be built on the River Parrett. Thieves have made the flooding nightmare worse for some, with reports of "suspicious people and vehicles", including "people out in boats" in the middle of the night.

 

One farmer was left without heating or hot water after around 600 gallons of domestic oil was stolen from his farm in Moorland overnight from Friday into Saturday. During the same evening, two fire service quad bikes were taken from Burrowbridge. Police have said they are aware of the reports and have urged residents to remain "alert". The warning comes as the Prime Minister's official spokesman said David Cameron wanted a premium rate government telephone helpline, set up by the Environment Agency for flood victims, to be "scrapped as quickly as it possibly can be". They are having to pay up to 10.5p a minute from landlines and 41p a minute from mobile phones to call the 0854 number for advice, with all the money going to a private firm, according to The Sun newspaper.

 

http://news.sky.com/story/1205873/environment-agency-boss-regrets-flood-response

[Summer Sun]

Prince Charles To Visit Flood-Hit Somerset

 

The Prince of Wales will tour villages on the Somerset Levels today to meet residents battling to cope with major flood damage. Prince Charles is due to visit residents in the village of Muchelney - which has been cut off by floodwater for a month - and farmers at Langport. The Somerset Levels have seen some of the worst flooding in recent weeks, with villages surrounded by water and hundreds of homes and businesses affected. The area has also seen growing anger from residents who say they have been let down by the Government and the Environment Agency (EA). The Prince's trip to Somerset comes a day after the head of the EA admitted his organisation has not done enough to prevent flooding in Somerset.

 

http://news.sky.com/story/1206084/prince-charles-to-visit-flood-hit-somerset

Torrential downpours loom with three times the average rainfall for time of year

 

THE flood crisis is set to escalate as parts of Britain brace for potentially deadly sea surges and more rain. Around three times the average rainfall for the time of year is expected this week, with winds whipping up waves up to 30ft.

Swathes of the South-west and west coast will be battered by winds of more than 80mph today and tomorrow. Forecasters warn the chaotic weather will continue through the weekend and into next week, with some predicting no let-up until spring. The Met Office has severe weather warnings in place today and tomorrow for gales and torrential downpours. Another alert is in place for heavy rain on Friday, with warnings that several inches could fall over the next few days.

 

Met Office chief meteorologist Will Lang said: “We have more Atlantic depressions heading our way this week. “Heavy rain and gales sweeping in from the West later on Tuesday and Wednesday bring the risk of further flooding in some areas and disruption to transport and power supplies. “Southern England is also at risk for further heavy rain on Thursday night.†Vast regions of the South have been devastated by floods since persistent rain set in before Christmas. Parts of Somerset have been cut off. The crisis this week spread to Looe, Fowey, Newlyn, Porthleven and Mevagissey in Cornwall, Devonport in Plymouth and Kingsbridge, Devon. The Environment Agency has two severe flood warnings in place, with a “danger to life†in the region. It has also put out 70 flood warnings and almost 200 flood alerts. Most of the South is urged to prepare for further misery. The rivers Severn, Frome and Avon in Dorset, the Thames in Oxon, West Berks, Reading, Slough and Hants, and the Medway in Kent face flooding. An extra £100,000 a week is being spent to pump water from flood-ravaged areas of Somerset, said Environment Secretary Owen Paterson.

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/457857/Torrential-downpours-loom-with-three-times-the-average-rainfall-for-time-of-year

Europe hit by severe blizzards

 

A quarter of Slovenians have been left without electricity, as parts of Europe battle some of the worst winter blizzards for decades.

 

Around 40% of the country's schools have been closed, transport is disrupted and residents in some areas have been advised not to drink tap water.

 

Parts of Croatia, Serbia, and Germany have also been severely affected by snow.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26028321

[Summer Sun]

Iran Blanketed In Heaviest Snow In 50 Years

 

Iran has experienced its heaviest snow in 50 years, while British soldiers serving in Afghanistan have seen their first proper flurries of the white stuff in Camp Bastion. About 500,000 people are trapped in their villages in northern Iran, many without electricity or gas, after snow began falling on Friday. The white storm is "unprecedented for the past 50 years, with two metres (almost seven feet) of snow falling since Friday", a Mazandaran provincial official said. "Our main problems are (the provision of) power and water, which have been cut off due to the heavy snow." About 11,000 people have had to be rescued during the past four days, with some being rehoused in emergency shelters, while at least seven Iranians have been taken to hospital. In Tehran, temperatures plunged to -7C (19F) on Saturday, making it the capital's coldest night of the year, while other provinces experienced temperatures as low as -18C. The snow is expected to blow into the southwest of the country from Monday night.

 

In Afghanistan, soldiers have seen their first covering of snow at Camp Bastion since the main British base in Helmand Province was established in 2006. Last week, they were enjoying temperatures of 21C (70F). In summer, they can soar to a sweltering 50C (122F). A rare weather pattern has been blamed for the rapid change in conditions. Service personnel took the opportunity to build a snowman, while Apache helicopters were coated in white. "It was amazing to see. This is a place where the sun beats down for much of the year and it reaches more than 50C in the summer months," said Captain Rory O'Shea, from Twyfor, Berkshire, who works in Task Force Helmand's headquarters, now based at Camp Bastion. He said although it gets cold and rains, there has been no snow to speak of up to now.

 

http://news.sky.com/story/1205832/iran-blanketed-in-heaviest-snow-in-50-years

[Summer Sun]

Surf's up as Brit rides tallest EVER wave and comes out smiling!

 

BRITISH plumber Andrew Cotton may have ridden the tallest wave ever in a death-defying surf stunt. The dad-of-two from Braunton, Devon, tackled the 80ft beast in Nazare, Portugal yesterday. The footage was instantly nominated for this year’s world record, which will be announced by surf brand Billabong in May. Part-time pro surfer Cotton, 34, called wife Katie, 37, to warn her of the treacherous conditions. He said: “I’ve never ridden a wave like that. I was hurtling down it so fast, but I couldn’t get near the bottom. It was pushing me up.â€

 

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/363896/Surf-s-up-as-Brit-rides-tallest-EVER-wave-and-comes-out-smiling

 

Now flooded homes hit by looters on BOATS while residents powerless to stop them

 

FLOOD victims are being targeted by looters ransacking swamped houses, it was revealed yesterday. Thieves are using boats to reach abandoned properties before escaping with valuables. Police admit they are powerless to protect flooded homes in the Somerset Levels because most major and all minor roads in the area are under water. Chief Superintendent Caroline Peters, who is heading the local response to the floods, said: “We are aware of reports of suspicious people and vehicles being seen in the area, particularly after dark. “We have also heard rumours of people being out in boats, but at this stage we have no information to substantiate that.

 

“Our message to the community is that we will do all we can to protect you and your property but I would ask everyone to be alert.†Farmer James Winslade, 40 – whose fields near Bridgwater are entirely under water – has no heating after thieves siphoned 600 gallons of oil from his tank. The father-of-three said he believed neighbouring homes had been targeted by boat gangs. He added: “We’re getting so many sightseers that it’s hard to keep track of who’s around. “At night it’s very isolated. Some of the homes are empty and they are coming across the water on boats to get to them.â€

 

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/363895/Now-flooded-homes-hit-by-looters-on-BOATS-while-residents-powerless-to-stop-them

 

[Summer Sun]

Weird weather: It’s bad enough fighting the Taliban, but now Camp Bastion is hit by snow

 

SOLDIERS in the normally sunny Camp Bastion are reaching for their sledges after the desert base saw its first snowstorm ever. A rare weather pattern yesterday led to the first covering of snow since the Afghanistan base was established in 2006. The snow came less than 72 hours after temperatures topped 21C and the sun baked the ground. Apache helicopters at the flight line were dusted with snow and Royal Military Police staff cleared drifts from troops' vehicles. Personnel took the opportunity to build a snowman last night and this morning members of the Military Working Dog section took the animals for short walks before moving them to the warmth of kennels. Captain Rory O’Shea, 28, who works in Task Force Helmand’s HQ but has previously led Afghan police mentoring in hot temperatures in Nad Ali, said: “It was amazing to see – this is a place where the sun beats down for much of the year and it reaches more than 50 degrees centigrade in the summer months. "It gets cold here and rains, but until today there was never any snow to speak of.â€

 

UK personnel gather detailed weather reports every day to help them plan for operations. Icy weather with snow was predicted, but few expected the snow to settle. The meteorological department at Bastion said an icy air mass pushing down from the north had met expected wet weather from the south west to create the extreme conditions. Typically late December and January is extremely cold in the desert location, but by March the climate is hot and by July the average daily temperatures can routinely be in the high 30s or mid 40s. Troops are briefed regularly on the importance of taking on water and keeping cool. There are approximately 3,000 UK forces operating from Camp Bastion, providing support where necessary to the Afghan National Security Forces in Helmand as they lead combat operations there and across the country. The process of redeployment – the gradual return of equipment and personnel to the UK – is now under way and all UK combat forces are due to leave the country by the end of the year.

 

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/363838/Troops-have-been-building-snowmen-as-Camp-Bastion-saw-its-first-ever-heavy-snow-fall

   

[Summer Sun]

Storms cause £4m damage in Cornwall

 

Storms have caused more than £4m of damage in Cornwall in one month, the local authority has estimated. Much of the damage is to sea defences but flooding has also closed the main railway line between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbott until Friday. The Met Office has warned of further strong winds and heavy rain expected to hit the south-west of England later. Near Exeter, firefighters rescued a man from a vehicle stuck in floodwater. His condition is unknown. A water rescue team from Bridgwater, in Somerset, and two crews from Exeter helped with the rescue in Broadclyst at about 07:20 GMT.

 

In Cornwall on Monday, strong winds and high tides flooded several places including Looe, Fowey, Newyln and Mevagissey. Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for homes and communities, said on Friday the estimated repair bill since 4 January was £3m. But following the storms during the weekend and on Monday he said it had increased to more than £4m. He said: "Engineers are still assessing the damage caused across Cornwall. Most of the damage has been caused to sea walls and sea defences, such as in Portreath, Newquay and in Newlyn. "We're now hoping for a break in the weather to assess and repair the damage." Mr Brown said engineers were trying to repair walls and defences to "minimise any further damage". The Met Office has issued a yellow alert of wind for the South West from 15:00 GMT until 23:00 on Wednesday.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-26028576

[WhiteFox]

First time I've seen this in a shipping forecast:

 

Sole

Gale warnings - Issued: 2143 UTC Mon 3 Feb

Southeasterly severe gale force 9 expected soon, veering westerly and increasing violent storm force 11 later

Shipping Forecast - Issued: 1030 UTC Tue 4 Feb Wind Southerly or southeasterly veering westerly, severe gale 9 to violent storm 11, decreasing 7 to severe gale 9 later. Sea state High, becoming very high or phenomenal. Weather Rain or squally showers. Visibility Moderate or poor.

 

Phenomenal seas! Wouldn't want to be caught out in that one.

[Summer Sun]

Prince Charles: Floods A Jolly Good Disaster

 

The Prince of Wales described the Somerset floods as a "jolly good disaster" during a visit to meet victims on Tuesday. Prince Charles spent an hour chatting to locals in Stoke St Gregory before continuing on his tour by boat, tractor and 4x4 through the villages of Muchelney - which has been cut off by floodwater for a month - and Langport. During the visit the Prince, who was wearing wellies, said: "There's nothing like a jolly good disaster to get people to start doing something. The tragedy is that nothing happened for so long."

 

The Prince was handed a letter outlining the issues facing Somerset by a farmer as soon as he left his royal vehicle in Stoke St Gregory on Tuesday lunchtime. "I've now got an idea how awful it is," he added. Earlier in the day Prince Charles pledged £50,000 to the clear-up operation - a sum that will be matched by the Duke of Westminster. The Prince's Countryside Fund has allocated £25,000 of the emergency funding to the Farming Help Partnership, while another £25,000 has been given to the Somerset Community Foundation.

 

There was no let up in the weather for the royal visit, with high winds and heavy rain greeting the Prince. Sky News's royal correspondent Paul Harrison said: "The Prince of Wales by his own admission does have a tendency to stick his head above the parapet.  When it comes to issues like this it's hard not to when you're very passionate. "The aim of today was to listen and he will do so. I imagine he'll be here a lot longer than we were told because he's going to want to make sure he gets around everyone. "He's meeting those who have been directly affected and will try and absorb all of the views before he leaves." The Somerset Levels have seen some of the worst flooding in recent weeks.

 

http://news.sky.com/story/1206084/prince-charles-floods-a-jolly-good-disaster

[Summer Sun]

Is this Britain's stupidest father? Man ushers young boy onto perilous cliff ledge as 30FOOT waves break around them

• The pair had taken a walk in the storm before wandering onto the outcrop known as Pulpit Rock in Portland, Dorset
• As the waves crashed around them, the father grabbed his son, who is thought to be aged 11, and held him
• A spokesman for the coastguard said if they had been hit directly they could have been washed away

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2551553/Is-Britains-stupidest-father-Man-ushers-young-boy-perilous-cliff-ledge-30FOOT-waves-break-them.html

Edited February 4, 2014 by Summer Sun

[Summer Sun]

Gale Leaves Thousands Of Homes Without Power

 

Thousands of homes are without power in southwest England and Ireland and commuters face travel disruption as heavy rain and winds of up to 80mph continue. Hundreds of Western Power Distribution staff have been working through the night to restore power to 6,000 homes, down from around 44,000 which are mainly in Devon and Cornwall. "Airborne debris" had hit overhead power lines, said a company spokesman.n Ireland 20,000 homes were left without power, now down to 8,000, as the second city, Cork, was inundated for the third time in five days. Forecasters say that heavy rain and gale force winds will continue to bring travel disruption and flooding to coastal areas over the next few days. Jeff Penhaligon, harbourmaster at East Looe in Cornwall, told Sky News the storm was "really hammering at the moment".

 

Both East and West Looe took a battering overnight and were now awaiting a mid morning high tide. He warned people to keep away from the waves, saying: "The sea is horrendous. Watch it by all means but stay well back." The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning, with southern and western areas of the UK and the east coast of Ireland most at risk. Gusts of up to 80mph are expected today across parts of south Wales, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

Winds of around 90mph were recorded on exposed parts of the Devon coast overnight. Sky News weather producer Joanna Robinson said: "Eighty-mile-per-hour gusts are possible for areas surrounding the Irish Sea, the Celtic Sea and the English Channel." First Great Western Trains has advised passengers not to travel west of Exeter St Davids station because of "major" track damage at Dawlish.

 

http://news.sky.com/story/1206599/gale-leaves-thousands-of-homes-without-power

[Summer Sun]

Think THAT was bad? HUGE Atlantic superstorm will 'smash' into Britain THIS weekend

 

A HUGE superstorm is brewing in the north Atlantic and will smash into Britain within 72 hours. Horrific storm-force gales of up to 100mph will lash the coasts while devastating gusts of 70mph are expected inland. Up to two inches of rain will pound flood-hit regions in a matter of hours on Friday night before yet another storm smashes into Britain on Saturday. It comes as yet another vicious night of storms left more than 40,000 homes without power in the South West. Western Power Distribution said 5,000 properties are still without power after 80mph winds caused "airborne debris" to fly into overhead lines. A spokesman said: "Over the last 12 hours or so 44,000 customers in the South West have been off supply at some point but we've managed to restore it to all but 5,000 homes.

 

"It's an extremely exceptional event. We have new staff being drafted in from nearby to replace our teams this morning. We have a constant approach to this because of the ongoing strong winds." The Met Office warned the weekend storm would be a “significant†event with current weather warnings likely to be upgraded to more severe level-2 amber alerts. Spokeswoman Laura Young said: “A very low depression is coming in from the Atlantic on Friday night which we are expecting to be significant. “We are expecting very heavy downpours with 40mm expected to fall in three hours, up to 50mm [2 inches] in some parts. “Regions which are not currently flooded could be affected, the unsettled weather is likely to continue into next week. “There is also the risk of very strong winds along the coast and inland, this looks nastier than we have seen this week.â€

 

In a statement the Met Office’s chief meteorologist said: “Yet another rapidly deepening area of low pressure will approach the southwest later on Friday. “A further 20-30 mm of rain is expected widely within the warning area, while 40-50 mm is possible on high ground in the southwest. “Coming so soon after previous rainfall events, this is likely to augment the impacts. “The public should be aware of disruption to travel from the combination of this heavy rain with the very strong winds, especially in areas where flooding has occurred recently.â€

 

Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, warned Britain is braced for a repeat of the devastating October St Jude’s Day Storm. He warned savage winds will be strong enough to tear down trees, damage buildings and whip up colossal 30-foot waves. He said: “This is a real monster heading towards the UK on Friday, it is bigger than anything we have seen this year. “Gusts will easily tip 100mph in exposed regions and along the coasts with 70mph possible inland and widespread around the UK. “This is a very significant storm on the way and is capable of causing some real damage.†The warning comes as Britain battles a week of wind and rain which is heaping  misery in the south of the country. Parts of Somerset have been left knee-deep in floodwater with some communities cut off after weeks of relentless downpours. The Met Office has severe weather warnings for heavy rain in the region for the next four days as emergency services battle to contain the crisis.

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/457996/Met-Office-Severe-Weather-Warning-Huge-Atlantic-storm-to-smash-into-Britain-THIS-weekend

[Summer Sun]

Thousands face power and travel disruption as storm hits

 

There has been further flooding with power supplies and transport disrupted after south-west England and south Wales were hit by a powerful storm. Engineers have been working to restore power but more than 7,000 homes are still without electricity. In Dawlish, Devon, a section of sea wall under the railway line collapsed, leaving the track suspended in mid-air. David Cameron will chair a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee later to consider the government's response. It is the first time this year that the prime minister will have chaired a meeting of Cobra to discuss the floods and follows widespread criticism of Environment Secretary Owen Paterson's handling of the crisis.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26042990

[Summer Sun]

Thousands of homes left without power and travel chaos as trains are cancelled after storm batters the country overnight (and there's a Tube strike for good measure)

• Western Power Distribution say up to 5,000 properties still without power in south west due to high winds
• Winds of 75-80mph have caused 'airborne debris' to fly into overhead lines, a spokesman for the company has said
• Met Office has warned winds in the south west are likely to 'continue along a similar sort of strength' into today
• Forecast says winds of up to 70mph expected across parts of south Wales, Devon and Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset
• Environment Agency has issued four severe flood warnings which are only put in place when there is 'danger to life'
• 92mph winds reported in Isles of Scilly while passengers in London suffering travel chaos because of Tube strike
• An estimated four million people have been left outside shut Tube stations or left scrambling for buses or taxis

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2552027/Thousands-homes-left-without-power-trains-cancelled-storm-batters-parts-country.html

Edited February 5, 2014 by Summer Sun

[Summer Sun]

UK weather: Thousands without power as South-west takes a 'pasting' from storm

 

Thousands of homes in south-west England, Wales and Ireland are without power and transport networks are in chaos today after the country was battered by 80mph winds and heavy rain overnight. Western Power Distribution said around 44,000 customers had been affected since Tuesday afternoon and a remaining 5,000 homes were still without power, despite staff working through the night. Most of the outages were caused by "airborne debris" that had hit overhead power lines a company spokesman said.

 

"Over the last 12 hours or so 44,000 customers in the South-west have been off supply at some point but we've managed to restore it to all but 5,000 homes," he said. "It's an extremely exceptional event. We have new staff being drafted in from nearby to replace our teams this morning. We have a constant approach to this because of the ongoing strong winds." Phil Davies, network service manager for the company, said customers had "quite a pasting in the South-west overnight".

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/uk-weather-thousands-of-homes-left-without-power-as-southwest-takes-a-pasting-from-storm-9108407.html