Storm Imogen lashing parts of England, Wales

London: Parts of southern Britain have been lashed by heavy rain and winds of up to 96 mph after storm Imogen swept in, the media reported on Monday.

The Met Office has issued an amber "be prepared" wind warning for Wales, south-west England, London and south-east England and says coastal areas could see giant waves and localised flooding, BBC reported.

"People should be prepared for disruption to travel on roads, rail, bridges and ferries and we could see possible damage to structures and downed trees risk affecting power," Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said.

"The wind will be combined with some hefty showers with some thunder along the south coast."

More than 5,000 homes are without power.

The sea state could reach "phenomenal" - the highest level on the World Meteorological Scale - at times around the western coasts, with waves of more than 14m possible.

There are nearly 60 flood warnings in place in England and Wales - meaning flooding is expected - and more than 200 flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible.