Storm Imogen Hits Rush-Hour With 100mph Winds

Large parts of Britain are being hit by fierce gusts and torrential rain as Storm Imogen sweeps in.

Winds of nearly 100mph hit Britain’s southern coast, causing rush-hour travel problems and the closure of some transport links.

The Severn Bridge on the M48 has been closed to all vehicles and part of the A35 bypass at Dorchester has also been shut due to flooding, Highways England said.

The Port of Dover was closed for two hours overnight, with the authority tweeting on Monday that it was monitoring the situation.

Train services have also been affected, with speed restrictions expected on routes operated by Arriva Trains Wales, Great Western Railway, Southern, South West Trains, the Gatwick Express, Southeastern and Thameslink services until at least 5pm due to high winds, according to National Rail Enquiries.

A Network Rail spokesman said no damage or blockages had been found on the network but inspections were continuing.

Winds of up to 93mph were recorded at The Needles off the Isle of Wight early today, with gales at around 40mph along the southern coast of Britain overnight. Cornwall recorded winds of over 70mph.

The Met Office also warned commuters and households to be “prepared for disruption to travel as well as possible damage to trees and structures and interruption of power supplies”.

The Channel is expecting swells of up to 14m, with officials warning people to keep a safe distance from the seafront.

The Met Office has issued amber “be prepared” warnings for the South West and yellow “be aware” alerts stretching from southern Wales to the Thames Estuary.

The Environment Agency has issued 62 flood warnings requiring immediate action for parts of the South West, South East and Wales. There are a further 204 alerts in place, meaning flooding is possible.

Imogen is the ninth named winter storm and comes days after Storm Henry, which brought winds of up to 90mph in places, causing schools to shut and disruption to transport.

Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said: “An area of low pressure is set to bring damaging winds of 70 to 80mph across southern areas overnight and during Monday.

“Starting across Kerry and Cork tonight, the severe gales will spread to southwest England and Wales for the morning rush hour, extending along the south coast through the day.

"Bands of heavy showers will add to the difficult travelling conditions.”

Forecasters said the morning rush hour will be “especially impacted” as Imogen tracks eastwards across an area south of the M4.

Drivers are being urged to check the weather and driving conditions before setting out.

Gary Webb from Highways England said: “If you do have to make a journey by road be prepared, plan your journey in advance and check the latest weather conditions along your route.

"Be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space.”