UK weather bomb hits: Live updates as huge storms batter Britain

 

3:01 am

More than 20 flood alerts and warnings in place in Scotland

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has more than 20 flood alerts and warnings in place, particularly for coastal areas.
Several train services will also be cancelled as a safety precaution, Network Rail and train operator ScotRail announced.
Users of the Forth Road Bridge have been warned to expect significant disruption as the bridge could be closed to all vehicles except cars throughout the day.
The Forth, Kessock and Skye bridges were closed to high-sided vehicles yesterday because of the rising wind speeds.
Western Isles Council said all schools and nurseries there will be closed as the police have advised the public not to travel unless it absolutely necessary.
All depots, libraries, museums and sports facilities in the Western Isles will also be shut.

2:33 am

Ferry services suspended in Scotland amid warnings of "hazardous" travel conditions

Police have warned that travel conditions in the worst-hit areas of Scotland could be "hazardous", with disruption also expected on ferries, rail services, roads and bridges today.
Many ferry services operated by Caledonian MacBrayne, which operates ferries in the west of Scotland, have already been disrupted or hit by cancellations.
Further disruption is likely throughout today as winds are expected to whip up unusually high waves, with sea swells of up to 12 metres in parts.

2:01 am

'A period of severe gales is likely over northern and central Britain'

Here's a more detailed forecast for today from the Met Office's chief meteorologist Steve Willington.
He said: "Very strong winds are likely to affect northern and central parts of the UK from early Wednesday and last through until early Thursday as a very deep low pressure system moves slowly eastwards between Scotland and Iceland.
"A period of severe gales is likely over northern and central Britain, as well as the potential for storm force winds over north western coastal areas of Scotland."

1:20 am

Met Office forecasts heavy showers in the North and severe winds on North west coasts

The Met Office has forecasted heavy showers in the North and severe winds on North west coasts.
The Met Office tweeted last night: "Good evening, rain clearing to the SE followed by showers, heaviest in the North.
"Winds most severe on NW coasts."