Storm Barra news – news: UK hit by 80mph gales as pensioner found dead in flooded river
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An 80-year-old woman is believed to have been killed in 80 mph winds of Storm Barra.
Venetia Smith, 80, is believed to have fallen from a bridge after she went missing her home in Blandford, Dorset, on Tuesday morning.
Her body was found in a river near Langdon Road at about 3pm.
Chief Inspector Matt Baxter, of Dorset Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with Venetia’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Around 1,000 properties remain without power after Storm Barra swept across the country.The latest power cuts come just days after the final homes were reconnected following Storm Arwen, which had caused "catastrophic damage" to electricity networks mainly in the north east of Scotland, affecting 135,000 properties.
The Met Office issued yellow weather warnings as Storm Barra brought high winds, heavy rain and snow on Tuesday.
Flood warnings still in place across England
A number of flood warnings have been issued across the UK over the past few days with four still active in England.
The Environment Agency has issued four flood warnings for England. There are also 28 flood alerts in place, which warn that flooding is possible.
Wind speeds of 86mph recorded in Wales
High wind speeds of 86mph were recorded in Aberdaron, Gwynedd, just one week since an 81mph gust was recorded in Aberporth, Ceredigion, as part of Storm Arwen.
Coastal communities were have been urged to be careful when walking close to piers and harbours as huge waves have hit seaside towns in Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and parts of Wales.
Elsewhere in Wales, Bryngwyn Comprehensive School in Llanelli, has been forced to shut temporarily since part of its roof was ripped off by gusts of more than 70mph on Tuesday evening.
Roads across Greater Manchester shut due to flooding
Roads across Greater Manchester had been forced to shut this morning due to flooding following Storm Bara.
The A555 Manchester Airport link road has shut both ways due to flooding on the carriageway.
In the eastbound direction, the road is closed between Styal Road and Woodford Road.
In the westbound direction, it is shut between Woodford Road and A34 Wilmslow-Handforth Bypass.
Porthcawl Pier suffers ‘significant damage'
Porthcawl Pier in Wales has been has been damaged during Storm Barra.
Porthcawl Harbour has seen “significant damage” following the storm with scaffolding falling towards the sea.
The pier was already been off-limits to the public due to a number of repairs being carried out, but the storm has caused a large section of the scaffolding at the Porthcawl Breakwater to collapse.
Bridgend MP Jamie Wallis took to social media to voice his concerns over the damage.
He wrote: “There has been significant damage to Porthcawl Pier caused by Storm Barra.
Adding: “I am deeply concerned about the threat to public safety around the pier and the ability of the RNLI to launch their vessels if the need arises.”
More rain on the way for parts of northwest UK
A Met Office weather forecast has suggested that more rain is on the way for northern and western parts of the UK.
Travel disruption around Liverpool and Manchester
There has been travel disruption between Liverpool and Manchester due to flooding on the railway line which runs between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester.
Two ferries stranded at sea have finally docked in Wales
Two ferries which were stranded at sea for hours outside a port on Anglesey, Wales have finally managed to dock.
Irish Ferries’ Ulysses had been due to dock at 05:00 GMT on Wednesday, it should have been followed by Stena’s Adventurer at 08:00 GMP.
Ulysses tried to berth in Holyhead, Anglesey, three times, BBC reported.
One passenger who was onboard Ulysses tweeted that they thought their ship never should have sailed.
As a result of the delays, freight drivers and passengers were given complimentary cabins and food.
Good morning
Hello and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of everything related to Storm Barra. We bring you updates on everything related to day three of this event, affecting swathes of the UK.
Pensioner found dead in flooded river amid Storm Barra
An 80-year-old woman is believed to have been killed in 80 mph winds of Storm Barra.
Venetia Smith, 80, is believed to have fallen from a bridge after she went missing her home in Blandford, Dorset, on Tuesday morning.
Dorset Police confirmed the death; a statement from the force read: “Very sadly, at around 3pm officers located the body of a woman in the river near to Langton Road. “Although formal identification has not yet taken place, it is believed to be that of Venetia. Her family has been made aware of the sad news.”
Chief Inspector Matt Baxter, of Dorset Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with Venetia’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“We would like to thank everyone who shared our appeals, as well as the partner agencies who assisted us with our searches.”
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