Flooding is back as gale season arrives
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Large swaths of Britain were back on flood alert last night as the first autumn gales brought misery in their wake.
Large swaths of Britain were back on flood alert last night as the first autumn gales brought misery in their wake.
On Sunday gale-force winds of up to 70mph were recorded in Brixham, Devon, and there was torrential rain in many parts of the country.
Several major roads in Hampshire, Sussex and Kent were underwater after gusts of up to 50mph led to firefighters being called out to remove dozens of fallen trees.
In Canterbury, Kent, torrential rain caused flooding to a hospital theatre at the Kent and Sussex Hospital in Tunbridge Wells after temporary roof repairs buckled under the strong winds. Three operations had to be postponed.
And a home in Barcombe, East Sussex was struck by lightning – it blew apart the kitchen of the Victorian cottage – although no one was hurt.
More than 40 rivers were on flood watch in England and Wales. Environment Agency spokesman Ray Kemp said alerts had been issued onthe same rivers across the region that caused such problems last year.
"I would expect there to be localised flooding on many roads as a lot of leaves have come down. Motorists should take extra care," he said.
"There are some areas where we have only just got over last year's flooding....And even more worrying is that the same weather patterns we saw last year are forming again."
Meteorologists predicted the stormy belt will have moved over Scotland by this morning, and the AA warned drivers that the severe conditions could lead to zero visibility in the north-east.
In the south, a day of sunshine and showers was forecast, although high winds are expected to continue.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments