While flights were still arriving at Belfast International Airport last night - despite sometimes severe turbulence and very uncomfortable landings - Ulster was looking like missing the worst of the storm that is lashing the British Isles today.

Flights from areas such as Spain crossing the Bay of Biscay, the English Channel and parts of the Irish Sea flew into the teeth of a rising storm making travel uncomfortable and landings heavy in the windy conditions.

However, there's more on the way later in the week, as one of the fiercest storms of the winter makes it way in from across the Atlantic.

While winds of up to 70mph battered the Province in the early hours of this morning - as an intense low pressure system passed across the UK - Northern Ireland is indeed set for even more intense winds on Wednesday.

A Met Office spokesman said: "Sunday was one of the worst storms of the winter but Wednesday is going to be just as windy, probably even windier.

"Another depression is moving in which could bring with it gales of between 70 and 80mph."

Today though, south Wales and southern England are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, and forecasters have warned the gale force conditions may cause traffic chaos.

The Environment Agency, which has issued severe flood warnings across Devon and Cornwall, as well as six flood warnings and 31 flood watches, has urged people to stay away from coastal areas.

Airports and ferry companies have warned of possible delays and cancellations, while motorists are advised to avoid all but essential journeys.

(BMcC/KMcA)