06/08/2004

Britain braced for more downpours over the weekend

The Met Office has warned travellers to stay tuned to weather forecasts as more stormy weather sweeps into England over the weekend.

This week's heavy thunderstorms have already brought havoc to many areas of the country. Flash flooding hit many towns and cities, more than 100 flights at Heathrow were cancelled and the river Thames suffered a huge fish kill after an overwhelmed drainage system discharged tonnes of sewage into the waterway.

But Met Office forecasters have warned of the prospect of more to come as hot weather and severe thunderstorms moves across much of western Europe from Sunday.

The areas considered to be at greatest risk are Wales, the West Country and central parts of England, but the storms are likely to extend further east through Monday and Tuesday. Further disruption in places is inevitable owing to torrential rain, hail and squally winds, forecasters said.

The Met Office has advised people travelling or planning outdoor activities to stay tuned to weather broadcasts for up-to-the-minute developments on the situation.

(gmcg)

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