Storm Clodagh wreaks havoc with transport on land, sea and in the air

Updated

Flights have been diverted, trains delayed and traffic held up on motorways as heavy rain and strong winds lashed Scotland and the north west of England today.

But Storm Clodagh is set to pass overnight, giving buffeted Britain respite from the worst of the gales.

Northern areas will still suffer rain, sleet and snow showers tonight, according to the Met Office, with icy stretches developing across Scotland and a some rain in England and Wales.

But the severe gales will gradually ease, and southern areas will be breezy and mild tomorrow. Northern Scotland will see sunshine and wintry showers, and the north of England will see some rain.

Emergency services were busy today as the weather caused widespread disruption. Coastguards had to pull a windsurfer out of the water at Seaburn Beach, Sunderland, after he was separated from his board in 60 mph winds.

Two people were rescued from the Tyne by the RNLI after their boat was capsized by the wind. In Ireland, thousands of properties were left without electricity after Storm Clodagh battered the republic.

Transport services also were also hit. Fallen trees on the line between Carlisle and Lancaster caused delays on the Northern Rail service, while a small number of flights were diverted at Manchester Airport.

The roof of a parade of shops was blown off and onto cars below on Moorfield Avenue in Denton, Tameside this afternoon with residents living in flats above the shops given temporary shelter for the night.

A number of trees were also blown over and part of the Christmas market in Manchester city centre was closed for safety reasons as high winds swept the area.

A flurry of local authorities cancelled their Christmas lights switch-on celebrations, with the list including Kilmarnock, Stoke, Maidenhead, Lichfield and Gosport.

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