Storm season sends 80mph wave of chaos across UK

BRITAIN was battered by 80mph winds and downpours yesterday as the first named storm of the season left a trail of destruction.

- Giles Sheldrick

Storm Ashley brought flooding, flying debris, downed power lines and travel disruption. A slew of weather warnings remained in place last night.

The Met Office said gale force winds posed a particular danger to coastal areas, warning "injuries and danger to life" were likely from large waves as the storm rages on.

Huge breakers hit beaches from Dorset and the Isle of Wight to Blackpool. In Worcester, the swollen River Severn burst its banks, flooding parts of the historic city including its cricket ground. Essex did not escape floods either.

And half-term will get off to a wet and wild start today as many areas remain on flooding red alert.

After a brief respite tomorrow and Wednesday, forecasters said things are set to turn miserable again by the end of the week.