Storm Francis: Winds reaching 80mph hit parts of the UK
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It has been a wet month in the UK, with lots of rain
Storm Francis is hitting the UK with "unseasonably" strong gusts of nearly 80mph (129kph) and heavy rain.
The Met Office gave yellow weather warnings for all of Wales, some of Scotland and most of England.
So far, homes have been flooded, campers rescued, and road and rail travel disrupted amid the severe weather.
Emergency services have urged the public to take extra care in the stormy conditions across the UK, particularly along the coast.
The stormy conditions are expected to last until Wednesday morning.
Flood alerts, telling people to be prepared, have been issued for parts of the west Midlands and north west of England.
People have been asked to take care when travelling and rail companies have asked passengers to check their train journeys before leaving for the station, with the conditions causing disruption and affecting some lines.
In Scotland the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) issued 11 flood alerts.
Earlier in August, a major incident was declared when heavy rain led to a trail being derailed.
The RNLI has warned people to stay out of the water where red flags are flying because of the storm
In Wales, some communities have experienced flooding and there has been travel disruption, while thousands of homes have also been left without power.
Falling trees have damaged homes and vehicles and blocked roads too.
Heavy downpours have also caused disruption across Northern Ireland, where motorists were urged to seek alternative routes after the Shimna River burst its banks in County Down.
Have you been affected by the weather? Are you in an area with a warning, let us know in the comments
- Published14 December 2017
