Summer washout as 'monsoon' batters Britain

SWNS

Families attempting to enjoy the half-term getaways have had their holidays ruined by gale force winds, flooding and 40ft waves at sea.

Thursday saw four inches of rain fall in the South West, and half-term holidaymakers keen to make the most of the week following the Diamond Jubilee Weekend had their staycations ruined.

In Cornyn Head, Torquay, beach huts were washed out to sea in the storm, while residents in Cornwall were warned to stay indoors as heavy winds and rain brought down trees and power cables, and 40ft waves lashed the Cornish coast.

SWNS

Weather experts have warned that Friday will be just as bad, with the possibility of 80mph winds and torrential rain as it's hit by a 'European monsoon'.

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for London, the South East, Home Counties and central parts of the country and 23 flood alerts are in place across the South west.

Fred Caygill, from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said families braving beaches should take extra care because gales could whip up huge waves that can crash over jetties and rocks.

He told the Telegraph: "The coast of the United Kingdom is a beautiful place, and is wonderful for exploring and enjoying the many water activities that are available.

"There are dangers though if the risks are not identified and correct preparations are not taken."

SWNS

The stormy weather is also causing havoc on the roads. According to the Daily Mail, the Highways Agency warned drivers of high-sided vehicles to avoid the A2 and A20 in east Kent, the A26 between Lewes and Newhaven in East Sussex and the A27 between Pevensey in East Sussex and Hampshire.

A Met Office spokesman told the paper that the weather should improve over the weekend, saying: "The weather is likely to remain unsettled for the rest of the day with blustery gales expected. Coastal areas are going to be taking the worst of the gales and there is potential of damage due to fallen trees which I would advise people to be aware of.

"We hope the weather will be more settled over the weekend, it looks like the worst of it today."

Unfortunately, however, the Met Office has warned that miserable conditions could last throughout the month, threatening to ruin big events like Wimbledon and the Henley Regatta.

Time to make a great escape? Discover one of these top European beach spots:

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