Two killed as rainstorm dampens Christmas atmosphere in Britain

Two people were killed on Monday as rainstorm swept through Britain before Christmas, according to local sources.

Skynews reported that a man fell into a river in the Lake District, triggering a large rescue search, but rescuers only found his body in River Rothay in Cambria. Another victim was a woman in Gwynedd, North Wales who also died after falling into a river.

More than 8,000 household lost electricity after gale of up to 140 kilometers per hour cut off power supply, according to a BBC report.

Over 200 amber warnings, which means to be prepared, have been issued by the Met Office for London, southeast and southwest England, and South Wales.

The storm dampened the festive atmosphere in the country, as some visitors attractions specially prepared for Christmas such as the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and special Christmas decorations in the Kew Gardens were closed to the public.

Royal parks in London, including the Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, St James's Park and the Green Park were also closed.

Travelers heading home to celebrate Christmas might be disappointed to see their trips disrupted.

At least 21 train companies have changed the timetables or canceled services. Hundreds of engineers are on stand by so as to cope with any blocked tracks or technical problems.

Drivers are warned to avoid traveling on certain roads and be very cautious of the harsh weather.

Some 30 flights from Heathrow Airport have been canceled, and the airport put a notice on its website, advising passengers to check the status of their flight with airlines prior to traveling to the airport.

But a BBC weather forecaster Louise Lear could give people some hope, Lear said the weather could turn better for the Christmas Day and the Boxing Day.