UK weather: Storm Katie 100 mph winds divert Gatwick flights, crush Greenwich crane and causes severe travel disruption across London and south east on bank holiday Monday
Storm Katie has battered London and the rest of the UK over the Easter bank holiday Monday, bringing winds of more than 100 mph to some parts of the country, diverting a number of flights and collapsing a crane in Greenwich.
More than 20 flights have been cancelled at Gatwick airport as the Met Office confirmed winds of 105mph at the Needles on the Isle of Wight, while a crane was left damaged, appearing almost folded in half, due to the high winds.
(Source: Gavin Rolfe)
Creek Road in Greenwich was left closed as emergency services attended the incident.
#BTeam covering the early turn. We are dealing with the damaged crane in CREEK ROAD GREENWICH. If driving please avoid area. 348rg
— Greenwich MPS (@MPSGreenwich) March 28, 2016
London fire brigade said it had attended more than 100 incidents this morning.
Firefighters & 999 control officers have worked tirelessly to deal with 110+ #StormKatie incidents since midnight. pic.twitter.com/hgcdmokkGV
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) March 28, 2016
Train services across London and the south east are disrupted, including obstructions at London Bridge, Watford, Tooting, Horley, Greenwich and Dover Priory among others.
The poor weather is expected to create delays until at least 11am, with some rail networks warning of disruption until the end of the day.
The Dartford Crossing has also been closed to drivers while Heathrow flights are also suffering delays and cancellations. The port of Dover has temporarily suspended shipping movements due to the weather.