New Intense Atlantic Storm Batters Europe With Heavy Rain, Strong Winds

February 8,2014

 

 

 

 

Europeans are bracing for further travel and power network disruptions as another intense Atlantic storm is set to impact the region over the coming days.
Bouts of rain, high tides and strong winds have pounded Western Europe — including England, Ireland, France, Spain and Portugal — since December, and this week washed away a stretch of main rail line linking London and the southwest.
Weather.com meteorologist Jonathan Erdman said the parade of storms is only expected to continue. "Some forecast guidance suggests three more Atlantic storms may impact the U.K. in the upcoming week, around Tuesday, Thursday and Friday."
The United Kingdom's Met Office issued severe weather warnings through the weekend, particularly for the southern portions of England and Wales where there are already more than 180 flood warnings and 300 flood alerts posted, reports the BBC.
"According to the U.K. Met Office, the south of England is experiencing one of the most exceptional periods of winter rainfall since at least 1766," said Erdman.
In Chertsey, Surrey the River Thames burst its banks Saturday, flooding homes for the second time this year, The Mirror reports. A seven-year-old boy, who was evacuated from his home in the town, died after he and his family were struck by a "mystery illness."
Surrey Police said it could not rule out a link between the illness and the flood waters and advised anyone in the area, who felt unwell or was showing signs of vomiting, diarrhea and fever, to seek medical assistance.
Meanwhile, a storm carrying 75 mph winds left more than 55,000 people without power in western France last week. Homes and businesses in Brittany, France were underwater Friday, after experiencing the brunt of the storm.
Provinces in Spain are on red alert in preparation for the incoming storms, reports Sky News. Huge waves along the coast of Spain have swept away a number of unsuspecting people and caused millions of dollars in damage along coastal cities and towns.
Check back with weather.com as the situation in Europe progresses.

46 / 248

Surfers attempt to ride on a rare maximum five star Severn Bore viewed from Newnham overlooking the River Severn on Feb. 2, 2014 in Gloucestershire, England. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)