A tree blew over close to Winford Manor near Bristol

Strong winds have caused localised problems including fallen trees and high winds have led to closure of the Severn Bridge.

Villages near Cheltenham, Swindon and Salisbury lost electricity after trees fell onto lines.

Train services into London from Cheltenham and the West were delayed on Wednesday afternoon due to problems caused by the winds.

'Slow down'

Localised flooding, with up to 7cm (2.8in) of rain falling in some areas, could cause problems on road and rail.

A Met Office spokesman said: "Although not a record breaker, this weather is certainly unseasonal for July, with the combination of strong winds, heavy rain and depressed temperatures making it feel more like November."

A spokesman for AA Roadwatch urged drivers to look out for debris on the roads and to slow down if spray reduced visibility.

AA patrolman Steve Neath advised motorists not to speed through standing flood water.

"It can take just an eggcupful of water in the combustion chamber to wreck an engine," he said.

A drilling platform anchored off the Kent coast broke its moorings and washed ashore as the weather front hit southern England.

A spokeswoman for Dover Coastguard said poor weather caused the 10m x 12m jack-up barge anchored off Foreness Point to break up at about 0700 BST.

No one was injured in the incident and no fuel was on board so there was no risk of pollution, she said.

The barge, which was carrying out survey work for Southern Water, became beached at Cliftonville, near Margate.