London, Europe Brief News – Millions of Britons were forced to stay indoors as one of the worst storms in decades, Storm Eunice, hits the country.
The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warnings, covering much of southern and eastern England, and south Wales.
Travel networks are experiencing cancellations and major disruption.
Power cuts have left thousands of properties in south-west England and south Wales without power.
Last week, the Met Office warned that two storms will hit the UK this week, with forecasters warning of 90mph winds across the north of England and Scotland.
Storm Dudley will cross the northern half of the UK from Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Storm Eunice will bring strong winds and potentially some snow for parts of the country on Friday.
Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said an active jet stream is driving low-pressure systems across the country, both of which are likely to cause some disruption.
“Storm Dudley will affect the UK on Wednesday night and Thursday, bringing a period of very strong and disruptive winds,” the Met Office said.
The warnings mean there is a chance of injury and danger to life from large waves and debris thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.
There is also a risk of falling trees, damage to buildings and power cuts.
Winds could reach 70mph inland, before dying down on Thursday evening.
“There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage,” the weather warning says.
