Hardy university freshers braved the wet and windy conditions as they flocked to pubs and bars last night – using plastic bags and handbags as makeshift umbrellas. Students at Portsmouth University refused to let the heavy downpours dampen their spirits as they poured into nightclubs on Monday night. More than 2,000 undergraduates queued up for the Astoria Nightclub and the adjoining Tokyo Joe’s bar as the rain lashed down on them. The more prepared students kept dry with umbrellas, while care-free freshers put carrier bags, coats and handbags above their heads to protect their hair in the torrential rain. Others simply made a run for it as they braved the pouring rain with nothing protecting them. With lectures looming, freshers were keen to continue the party on for as long as they can – not letting the grim weather get in the way of a good night. Despite the soggy conditions, hundreds of booze-fuelled students spilled onto the streets of Hampshire. While some were wearing mini skirts and t-shirts, others kept their outfits casual with jeans and trainers. Students across the country, like the rest of the UK, have battling with the downpours and gales over the last few days. And the Met Office has issued a fresh yellow weather warning as flood-ravaged Britain faces further misery. The yellow warning issued today states that between 20mm (0.8in) and 30mm (1.2in) of rain could be seen widely, 50mm (2in) to 70mm (2.8in) could fall in some locations and the Pennines and North York Moors could have 80mm (3.1in) to 100mm (3.9in). Meteorologists warned of possible power cuts and loss of other services, flooding to homes and businesses, difficult driving conditions and delays to trains. There is also a chance that ‘some communities will become cut off by flooded roads’. It comes as Britons endured further travel chaos today after two months’ worth of rain in 48 hours as flooding submerged cars, closed schools and blocked rail lines. People were rescued from narrowboats in Northampton this morning after the River Nene burst its banks, which also left Cogenhoe Mill Holiday Park on the outskirts of the town submerged – while at least 45 homes flooded across the Home Counties. The Environment Agency had 32 warnings for ‘expected’ flooding and 95 alerts for ‘possible’ flooding in place for England today – including six across Greater London. The National Grid said it had seen a week’s worth of power cuts across the weekend. Drier but noticeably cooler conditions were forecast widely today, although Scotland and northern England will face isolated heavy showers with a chance of thunder. The Met Office said further weather warnings were ‘unlikely’, but did point ahead towards a brief cold snap which is expected to arrive by the end of this week. Several schools remained closed today due to flooding – including two in Gloucester – Hatherley Infant School and The Milestone School.
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