Severe winds leave thousands of British homes powerless

Severe winds hit parts of Britain overnight, leaving about 47,000 homes and businesses without power on Thursday.

Gusts brought down power cables, trees and blocked roads and rails across the country. Drivers were warned to only travel if necessary while railway passengers faced severe delays.

UK Power Networks said a further 100,000 buildings lost power in eastern England, where the winds reached 134 kmph, Xinhua news agency reported.

Rail services have been disrupted in mid- and north Wales after objects were carried on to tracks by high winds. A freight train hit two sheds, which blew on to the track in Powys.

In Berkshire, a wolf escaped from the Wolf Conservation Trust's site in Beenham in the morning after strong winds brought down fences. The local police issued warnings to residents and, according to latest report, the animal has been captured.

A new snow and ice warning was issued for Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England until Friday night.

--IANS

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