Windstorm Xaver struck the coastal countries of western Europe on Thursday with gale force winds and intense rain. Thousands of people were evacuated from coastal towns and cities in the UK.
Wind gusts of more than 140 mph (225 km/h) were recorded in the Scottish Highlands on Thursday 5th December.
The Thames Barrier was shut to prevent flooding in the capital from, what is thought to be, potentially the worst storm surge in 60 years.
Luckily the improved flood defences, early warning systems and rapid action from the authorities helped minimise losses from the storm in the UK.
Image: Computer model showing a large area of high winds in the lower atmosphere, pushing the waters of the North Sea into the coasts around western Europe.
(Picture credit: WeatherBELL Analytics)
More information:
uk.reuters.com/article/2013/12/05/uk-europe-storm-idUKBRE9B40II20131205
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c0274f94-5db5-11e3-95bd-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2mhL5WZBA
CLIMATE AND GEOHAZARDS 