Heavy winds, flooding hit southern Britain

LONDON, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Winds of 100 mph and widespread flooding hit the United Kingdom as a storm moved across Wales and southern England, officials said.

Weather warnings remained in effect in parts of southeast England as coastal ports closed and ferry services across the English Channel were disrupted, the BBC reported Saturday.

Nine flood warnings and 66 less serious flood watches were issued, Britain's Environment Agency said.

A tornado damaged about 60 homes in the town of Benfleet, Essex, and another tornado was reported in Suffolk.

The wet conditions and heavy winds also prompted warnings from the Highways Agency regarding potentially dangerous travel conditions.

Heavy flooding in Sussex County resulted in some individuals becoming trapped at an industrial site, Sky News reported. Boats were used to successfully rescue them.

In the worst storm of the year after a mild autumn, the counties of Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were the most affected, the BBC said.