100mph Winds And Snow Wreak Havoc Across UK

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Hundred-mile-an-hour winds and heavy snow have brought misery to people travelling around the country.

The Environment Agency issued 149 flood alerts and 32 flood warnings across England and Wales, while 21 flood warnings and seven flood alerts were in place north of the border.

Some drivers on the A9 in Scotland were stranded overnight after snow gates from Blair Atholl to Ralia were closed - the traffic began to move again by convoy at around 10am.

Police Scotland Chief Inspector Louise Blakelock said: "The conditions have been extremely difficult and agencies are working to clear the route as safely and quickly as possible.

"It was necessary to close the road due to the extreme weather conditions to ensure the safety of motorists and also allow the workforce to safely clear the route."

In England, high winds and heavy rain all along the south coast of England caused significant delays for rail travellers on lines operated by South West Trains and South Eastern Trains, with trees and flooding blocking the tracks.

Ferry crossings at the Port of Dover have also been subject to delays because of the weather, with Kent Police implementing emergency measures to back up freight traffic along the M20 near Dover in anticipation of reduced capacity at the port.

Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said: "West to southwesterly winds will increase this afternoon and evening over the Irish Sea into Wales and northern England with squally gusts making driving dangerous over higher routes.

"As the low pushes away northeastwards later there will also be gale force northwest winds spreading across northern Scotland, and for a time it will also be very windy along the north coast of Ireland.

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Gallery: Amber Alert For Snow In Britain

Snow on the A9 near Dunkeld in Scotland

A dusting of snow on the South Pennines

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Snow on the Northumberland border, as more winter weather swept across the UK bringing disruption to rush-hour traffic

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A gritter in heavy snow near Allendale, Northumberland

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The view from Defynnog after heavy snow in the Brecon Beacons National Park, south Wales

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A Met Office "be aware" weather warning for rain and strong winds is in place for the whole of England, Wales, Ireland and central and southern Scotland.

Thousands of homes were left without power in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, with the gale force winds and heavy rain coming during a week of severe weather in the principality, which has included snow, giant hailstones and a tornado.

Drivers around the UK are being urged to prepare for bad weather in the coming days.

Darron Burness, from the AA's severe weather team, said: "The reality is that while you can have your car completely prepared for winter, you can't control what goes on around you.

"If there's an accident ahead or a lorry jack-knifes, you're probably not going anywhere in a hurry, so you need to be prepared for that.

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Gallery: Twin Snow Showers Bring Disruption To Parts Of UK

Snowy roads in Ebbw Vale, South Wales. Pic: Elizabeth Sullivan

A snowman in Caithness. Pic: Brian Milligan

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"Likewise, if you break down in a vulnerable location, say on the hard shoulder or blind bend, it's too dangerous to stay in the vehicle, regardless of the weather.

"If you're just wearing shorts and a T-shirt, as our patrols have seen this week, you're going to have a cold wait."

He added: "Flooding could be an issue as the snow gives way to rain. If in any doubt, don't risk crossing a flooded road or ford - just turn round and find an alternative route."

The new weather system is being triggered by the Atlantic cyclone dubbed Storm Rachel.

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