Strong winds torment much of Britain, 2 killed (AP)

LONDON ? Winds surpassing 100 miles per hour (160 kph) tormented parts of Britain on Tuesday, wreaking havoc with travel and killing two people.

The U.K. meteorological office reported extremely high winds in several parts of the country, leading to power outages, seaport closures and hazardous driving conditions. Winds were particularly high in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with Edinburgh reporting gusts of 102 mph (164 kph.)

A man in his 50s was killed by a falling tree as he sat in the driver's seat of a parked van in southern England, and a crew member on board a tanker was killed after his vessel was hit by a large wave off the English coast.

Edinburgh airport closed to incoming aircraft, and many departing flights also were canceled or delayed. Glasgow airport also said many of its flights were delayed or canceled.

Further south, flights to and from London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports also were disrupted, with many flights arriving hours late.

Most train services between London and Scotland were canceled and many companies suspended ferry traffic across the English Channel until high winds subside. Other ferry links also were temporarily closed.

Falling trees have caused widespread power outages along with numerous road closures. Many sections of Britain also were being pelted by heavy rain.

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Online:

Britain's Met Office: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/britain/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120103/ap_on_bi_ge/eu_britain_weather

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