Rain and fierce winds are hitting parts of the UK, as what could be winter's worst storm moves in from the Atlantic.
Rain and fierce winds are hitting parts of the UK, as what could be winter's worst storm moves in from the Atlantic.
Winds of up to 82 mph (130km/h) have brought down trees in south-west England, blocking roads, and some 7,000 homes are without electricity.
Winds of up to 82 mph (130km/h) have brought down trees in south-west England, blocking roads, and some 7,000 homes are without electricity.
There are seven severe flood warnings on the south west coast, where it is feared water could spill over sea walls when high tides peak around midday.
There are seven severe flood warnings on the south west coast, where it is feared water could spill over sea walls when high tides peak around midday.
A tug had to be sent to help a tanker struggling in high winds in the Solent.
A tug had to be sent to help a tanker struggling in high winds in the Solent.
The 7,500-tonne ship, with 13 people and a cargo of gas oil onboard, was dragging its anchor off the Isle of Wight in severe gale force winds.
The 7,500-tonne ship, with 13 people and a cargo of gas oil onboard, was dragging its anchor off the Isle of Wight in severe gale force winds.
High tide fears
High tide fears
Environment Agency Chief Executive Baroness Young told BBC News: "Along the coast from the south west, almost as far as Kent, we could see the sea coming over the sea walls and that's when we really could have difficulties.
Environment Agency Chief Executive Baroness Young told BBC News: "Along the coast from the south west, almost as far as Kent, we could see the sea coming over the sea walls and that's when we really could have difficulties.
"We are saying to people, stay away. It's very impressive to watch but these waves could come over at any time."
"We are saying to people, stay away. It's very impressive to watch but these waves could come over at any time."
However, she said areas at risk were "as well prepared as is possible" to deal with potential problems, with evacuation plans in place.
However, she said areas at risk were "as well prepared as is possible" to deal with potential problems, with evacuation plans in place.
FLOODLINE Call 0845 988 11 88
FLOODLINE Call 0845 988 11 88
Small-scale flooding is affecting parts of the south west already, with residents putting out sandbags to protect homes in parts of Devon and Cornwall.
Small-scale flooding is affecting parts of the south west already, with residents putting out sandbags to protect homes in parts of Devon and Cornwall.
High winds have also caused considerable damage and disruption, blowing off garage roofs in Devon and west Wales, uprooting trees and bringing down power lines.
High winds have also caused considerable damage and disruption, blowing off garage roofs in Devon and west Wales, uprooting trees and bringing down power lines.
Sea levels are close to the top of sea walls on some parts of the Devon and Cornwall coast, including Bideford, Instow and Penryn.
Sea levels are close to the top of sea walls on some parts of the Devon and Cornwall coast, including Bideford, Instow and Penryn.
Huge waves are expected to hit the UK coast.
Huge waves are expected to hit the UK coast.
4,000 homes in south-west England and 3,000 in Wales are without power.
4,000 homes in south-west England and 3,000 in Wales are without power.
The Tamar Bridge has been closed to high-sided vehicles.
The Tamar Bridge has been closed to high-sided vehicles.
Wind speed of 82mph recorded in Berry Head in Brixham, south Devon.
Wind speed of 82mph recorded in Berry Head in Brixham, south Devon.
In the Newport area, 170 people had to evacuate a caravan site overnight amid fears of flooding and structural damage.
In the Newport area, 170 people had to evacuate a caravan site overnight amid fears of flooding and structural damage.
Elsewhere in the UK, high winds are expected to cause disruption, with wind speeds of 42mph recorded at Heathrow, 63mph on the east coast of Northern Ireland, 49mph in Crosby, Merseyside, and 46mph in Birmingham.
Elsewhere in the UK, high winds are expected to cause disruption, with wind speeds of 42mph recorded at Heathrow, 63mph on the east coast of Northern Ireland, 49mph in Crosby, Merseyside, and 46mph in Birmingham.
The storm is expected to cause travel disruption. The RAC is advising drivers to be prepared for hazardous driving conditions over the next few days.
The storm is expected to cause travel disruption. The RAC is advising drivers to be prepared for hazardous driving conditions over the next few days.
The Met Office warns rail delays are likely, with the worst weather expected to strike on Monday afternoon. A 50mph speed limit is in force on some lines because of the weather.
The Met Office warns rail delays are likely, with the worst weather expected to strike on Monday afternoon. A 50mph speed limit is in force on some lines because of the weather.
British Airways cancelled several short-haul and domestic flights from Heathrow Airport on Sunday night, and both Heathrow and Gatwick advised travellers to check with airlines before leaving home.
British Airways cancelled several short-haul and domestic flights from Heathrow Airport on Sunday night, and both Heathrow and Gatwick advised travellers to check with airlines before leaving home.
P&O Ferries cancelled a Sunday sailing from Portsmouth to Bilbao, and another from Bilbao to Portsmouth on 11 March. Channel crossings to France and crossings between Wales and Ireland have also been cancelled.
P&O Ferries cancelled a Sunday sailing from Portsmouth to Bilbao, and another from Bilbao to Portsmouth on 11 March. Channel crossings to France and crossings between Wales and Ireland have also been cancelled.
The north east of England and parts of Scotland are also facing another menace - snow.
The north east of England and parts of Scotland are also facing another menace - snow.
It was expected to turn to heavy rain later on Monday but early flurries, coupled withdriving winds, caused treacherous conditions on the A66 between Co Durham andCumbria.
It was expected to turn to heavy rain later on Monday but early flurries, coupled with driving winds, caused treacherous conditions on the A66 between Co Durham and Cumbria.
Do you live in the regions which could be affected by the storms? How are you preparing? Send us your experiences using the form below.
Do you live in the regions which could be affected by the storms? How are you preparing? Send us your experiences using the form below.
