kipmwenyew
Lister
Up to 56,000 homes remained without power today as Britain suffered its third storm in less than a week with rail commuters told to avoid travelling following severe flooding, landslides and evacuations amid 87mph winds. Storm Franklin swept in overnight with a Met Office yellow wind warning in place for England, Wales, Northern Island and western Scotland until 1pm this afternoon as electricity engineers battle to reconnect properties.
More than 450 flood alerts or warnings were in place across the UK, including two severe warnings in south Manchester that prompted more than 400 homes to be evacuated - while Northern Ireland was also badly hit. Train operators again warned customers to 'avoid travel' or 'do not travel' with services paralysed by gale-force winds and lashing rain following days of disruption due to Storms Dudley last Wednesday and Eunice last Friday.
Manchester Airport suffered major disruption today, with arriving flights diverted to London Heathrow, Stansted, Birmingham, East Midlands, Newcastle and Dublin airports because they were unable to land in the North West. Derbyshire was among the worst-hit areas by flooding, with Matlock Town Council describing 'devastating' levels of flooding in the town and Babington Hospital in Belper forced to shut with all appointments cancelled. The threat from Franklin comes after huge waves were seen crashing onto coastal areas, homes were destroyed by strong winds, and emergency services deployed flood defences along swelling riverbanks over the weekend.
National Rail has warned anyone making essential journeys once services resume today to expect 'major disruption' to routes 'across most of Great Britain' - including cancellations, delays and slower speeds onboard.The Met Office said that the South of England was particularly hard hit by stormy weather during rush hour this morning, while train operator Northern issued a 'do not travel' alert to passengers due to the impact of storms.
