Tributes paid to Blackheath company director first to die in bad weather

 
PA
Josh Loeb26 November 2012

A Londoner became the first fatality caused by the flooding and strong winds which have battered Britain and have so far claimed three lives and forced hundreds from their homes.

Retired company director John McNair, 77, from Blackheath, south east London, died on Thursday when his car became wedged under a bridge.

He was believed to be on his way to visit family in Bristol when he ran into trouble near a ford in Somerset.

His neighbour Julian Jarvis said: “He was a strong man of conviction and a member of the Conservative Party and the Carlton Club, and he loved rugby.

"He was a no nonsense kind of man and was outspoken and charismatic. He will be missed by all who knew him.”

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “He was a wonderful character. He had lived in Blackheath for many years and he owned a farm in Wales.

"He would spend part of his time here and part of his time up there.”

Mr McNair’s long term partner Katherine Tyler, 69, was said by neighbours to be away from London today as she arranged Mr McNair’s funeral.

On Saturday a 21-year-old woman died in Exeter after becoming trapped under a fallen tree, while in Cambridgshire a 70-year-old man died when his car plunged into a swollen river.

Police are searching the flood swollen River Thames near Sonning for a 91-year-old man who is feared to have been swept away on Friday.

The Environment Agency has issued 500 alerts and 230 flood warnings, with Somerset, Dorset and Gloucestershire among the areas worst affected.

The Met Office said constant heavy rainfall would continue throughout the day today in areas including north Wales, with people in parts of the country being warned not to drive or leave their homes apart from in emergencies.

Forecaster Greg Dewhurst said there was low risk of flooding in London and the south east but added: “We would ask people to keep an eye out and take note of any change to flood warnings.”

Rain is predicted in the capital this afternoon and evening but the downpours are expected to turn weaker overnight.

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