A WOMAN was swept out to sea in 40mph gales last night as six urgent flood warnings were issued across Britain.
The warnings came after 2.5 inches of rain hit, soaking the country as floods and gale-force winds lashed Britain.
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A woman was swept out to sea at Hendon Beach in Sunderland Credit: NNP 5
Stormy weather on Blackpool's North Shore Credit: Dave Nelson
The wild weather resulted in a woman being swept out to sea at Hendon Beach in Sunderland at around 7.20pm yesterday.
Gusts of up to 37mph were recorded in the area when the woman went missing.
Police, the RNLI, ambulance services and a rescue helicopter all joined the desperate search for the woman.
Search efforts have continued today, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.
A South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade spokesperson said: "The team immediately responded and members proceeded to Hendon beach.
"Upon arrival we learned that one person had managed to exit the water however one female was still unaccounted for.
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"Unfortunately after approximately four hours of detailed searching in difficult conditions the female still had not been located.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the female during this very difficult time."
Meanwhile, there are six flood warnings in place - in Lower Frome, Lower Stour, Middle Stour, Pulborough, Rivers Stour and Iwerne, and Upper Stour.
The River Arun in Pulborough is high and rising after more than half a month's rainfall - 2.5 inches - fell in the area on Wednesday.
The River Ouse is still high near Barcombe, following Wednesday's heavy falls, when over half a month's rain was also recorded.
Temperatures plummeted to a low of minus 1.4C in Aviemore, Scotland.
There have been gusts of 68mph recorded in Jersey, as emergency services worked to clear blocked roads as trees were brought down.
A man was killed yesterday when a car smashed into a tree today as Storm Aurore caused chaos on the roads.
Two others were seriously injured in the tragedy in East Grinstead, West Sussex.
The 27-year-old was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Caddy just after midnight, Sussex Police said.
He was pronounced dead at the scene in Kipling Way, while two passengers, aged 31 and 28, sustained serious injuries and a further two passengers, aged 31 and 30, walked away with minor injuries.
The incident happened during a deluge of downpours which caused flooding in London and the South East.
The capital was soaked as Storm Aurore blasted the UK.
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A coastguard looks out at Hendon Beach after a woman was swept away Credit: NNP 5
Wild weather has hit Britain Credit: NNP 5
Traffic battles to get through the floodwaters in Colchester, Essex Credit: Alamy
UK weather forecast for Friday 22 October - Bright with light winds ahead of a rainy weekend