London weather: Capital braced for further high winds and heavy rain as Storm Katie batters Britain

Laura Proto28 March 2016

An amber weather warning has been issued for London and the South East as Storm Katie batters Britain as the Easter weekend comes to a close.

Gusts of more than 50mph struck the capital throughout Sunday night and the early hours of Monday morning, with heavy rain also falling.

The transport network across London and the South of the UK was left bearing the brunt of the storm, with Highways England closing the Dartford Crossing and M48 Severn Bridge overnight on Sunday because of strong winds.

Four flights due to land at Gatwick's north terminal between 2am and 2.55am were listed as diverted on the airport's website.

Heathrow also posted on Twitter that several flights had been diverted as planes had been "unable to touch down" due to the storm.

The strong winds also caused a crane to buckle in Greenwich and scaffolding to collapse in Croydon.

Meanwhile, residents across London took to social media after enduring a disturbed nights sleep.

Lorna Mckinnon (@Lornamckinnon) posted: "#StormKatie is certainly hitting London this morning. Hold onto your roofs! Thinking our nice bank holiday walk may be a terrible idea."

Peter Childs (@pj_childs) said: "No sleep, thanks #StormKatie".

And @FierceMango added: "Pretty sure my house is about to fall down. #StormKatie".

Those travelling back from breaks across the country on Easter Monday are advised to be careful on the roads, and if possible delay their journeys to avoid the inclement weather.

Heavy rain moving north-eastwards across England and Wales presents a risk of localised flooding, while motorists are warned to be wary of branches falling from trees in the high winds.

A yellow warning for wind has been issued for south Wales, the East and South West, while a more serious amber warning is in place for London and the south-east.

Storm Katie: High winds and heavy rain will batter the capital for much of Monday
Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: "There is likely to be a lot of surface spray on the roads, there could be localised flooding, and the winds could cause branches to come off the trees, and one or two tiles off the roof.

"On the south coast there could be quite large waves.

"People should keep tuned in to the forecast, and avoid the east coast, south coast and high grounds as well if possible. Allow extra time for your journey and if possible try and delay your journey as winds will tend to ease off throughout the day."

Winds of up to 60mph are forecast inland, with speeds of 70mph expected along the south coast, especially towards exposed areas across the south and south-east.

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