Storm Imogen lashes Britain with gales and torrential rain

A status yellow wind warning is now in operation after Storm Imogen’s near-hurricane winds caused a widespread blackout in parts of Kerry and Cork.

A search is under way for Mike Reid, 54, who disappeared after being called out to save dozens of gannets stranded by the weather on rocks at Porthchapel Beach near Penzance around 2pm on Sunday.

Storm Imogen brought heavy rain and high winds to the United Kingdom this week, with waves off the Cornish coast measured at 63ft (19.1m).

Sea defences were breached and homes were left helpless, with over 15,000 having no power by morning.

Overtopping and onshore flooding may occur as a result of sea spray, where strong winds blow water from the crests of waves onshore.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The safety of passengers and staff is our top priority”.

Around 225 Environment Agency flood warnings are in place across the United Kingdom amid heavy downpours, with 48 warnings calling for “immediate action”, particularly in the South West and Wales where parts were expected to see around 1.5ins (40mm) of rain during Monday.

Rail travellers were warned to expect disruption to journeys and urged to check before they travel, especially on coastal routes, with many services potentially delayed, altered or cancelled.

In Sindlesham, Mole Road is fully blocked by a further fallen tree.

Highways England has issued a severe weather alert for “high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes, which are advised to take extra care when travelling, due to the increased risk of vehicles being blown over”.

Speed restrictions affected train services by Arriva Trains Wales, Great Western Railway, Southern, South West Trains, the Gatwick Express, Southeastern and Thameslink.

Bad weather and stormy seas are also disrupting cross-channel ferry services, with the Port of Dover temporarily closed overnight due to wind and strong sea swells.

The Met Office has placed an amber weather warning over the region, the second highest weather warning category, for high winds for Cornwall, expected to reach up to 70mph.

“Some very large waves are also likely to affect many coasts, in particular north coasts of Cornwall and Devon”, it said.

“Tonight the winds should ease a little, but it’ll still be a wet and windy day tomorrow and colder air will give some wintry showers over high ground”.

Meanwhile, a major river search is under way for a man missing in Taunton.