Insurers On Standby As Windstorm Lashes Southern England – 152 Flood Alerts In Place As 80 Mph Gusts Cause Damage And Disruption

A severe windstorm is continuing to batter southern England, causing damage and widespread disruption to power and travel.

Winds are gusting over 80 miles per hour (mph) in some areas, and the Met Office reported that a gust of 99 mph was recorded at Needles Old Battery, Isle of Wight at 6am.

The south-west of England has been the most affected are so far, the BBC reports.

Developments so far include

Around 40,000 homes are without power

The Environment Agency has issued 17 flood warnings in south-west England alone and there are 152 flood alerts across England and Wales

130 flights have been cancelled at Heathrow

Several train operators have announced they will not start their services until 10am. These include South West Trains, East Coast and First Great Western.

Other train operators have delayed the start of their services until 9am, including Virgin West Coast Mainline, First Capital Connect, C2C and London Overground