Severe storms batter northern regions of UK and Ireland

Two people have been killed in traffic accidents and tens of thousands have been left without electricity as parts of the UK were hammered by winds exceeding 100mph.

The worst affected areas were Northern Ireland, Scotland and the north of England. In Scotland the highest recored gust reached 124mph.

A motorist died as a result of the severe weather conditions in Scotland when his car was crushed by a lorry on the A1 near Burnmouth; and in Northern Ireland a driver was killed when his lorry was blown through guard barriers and fell 150 feet onto mudflats below the Foyle Bridge.

It has also been reported that two bodies have been found off the coast of western Scotland, although it is unclear whether or not these deaths are related to the storms.

Tens of thousands of people have been left without power across the UK. Around 60,000 have been left without electricity in Scotland, along with a further 4,000 in Cumbria and 1,000 in Northern Ireland. An estimated 10,000 homes in Hexham, Northumberland, do not have running water.

In Scotland, many roads and bridges remained closed on Monday morning. Rail routes and ferry services have also been affected by the weather.

This morning, 12 flood warnings were still in place in England and Wales, while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency had also issued 13 flood warnings and 21 watches.

Anyone requiring further information about the floods can contact the Environment Agency on: 0845 988 1188.

(KMcA/SP)