WINDS of over 70mph battered the West Somerset coast in the early hours of Monday morning, disrupting transport and power networks as Atiyah, the UK’s first named storm of the season, swept into the South West.

An early casualty was the 41ft ketch Jessica Rose, which was blown from its berth in Watchet harbour and into the East Quay wall, after its mooring ropes parted at the height of the gale.

The yacht, owned by Tony Hawthorne, of Worcester, suffered damage to its bowsprit and rigging. It was pulled off the mud later in the day by Steve Yeandle’s charter fishing boat, Scooby Doo Too, and returned to its moorings.

The yacht was being readied for a passage to its new berth in Milford Haven, which will now be postponed until the damage is repaired.

Coastsafe, a partnership campaign aiming to improve coastline safety, urged people to be wary of tidal surges and storm debris being thrown over sea walls.

Watchet coastguard also issued a warning to keep away from exposed cliffs and beaches saying: “No photo is worth a life. Stay high dry and safe.”

Police warned residents to stay indoors and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary and Western Power Distribution reported nearly 30 high voltage faults in the South West over the weekend.

A Somerset County Council spokesman said road maintenance crews had been out the entire weekend removing fallen trees and torn-down branches from country roads.