Three dead as Storm Gerrit batters Britain

LONDON – Three people died on Dec 28 after their car fell into a river in northern England, local police said, as Storm Gerrit battered much of Britain.

Emergency services headed to the River Esk near the town of Glaisdale shortly before midday (8pm Singapore time), after reports that a vehicle had fallen into the river.

“The vehicle was recovered from the river by the fire service just after 3pm. Sadly, the three men inside have died,” North Yorkshire Police said.

Another man who had tried to help them was recovered unharmed, they said, adding that the weather conditions were “making driving hazardous”.

Several regions of Britain, particularly Scotland and northern England, have been badly hit by Storm Gerrit since Dec 27, which brought heavy rain and snow. Strong winds also blew roofs off many homes and caused much damage.

Winds of up to 136kmh were recorded in Aberdeenshire in Scotland.

Britain’s Met Office said a supercell thunderstorm caused damage in Greater Manchester on the night of Dec 27, with features suggesting “a tornado at the surface was likely”.

Thousands of homes remained without power in Scotland on Dec 28, while rail and air transport was disrupted, with trains and flights cancelled.

Ferry services between Dover and France also suffered delays on Dec 27 due to strong winds in the Channel. AFP