Weather: Ireland And UK Battered By Storms

Storms with 100mph winds battered Britain and Ireland last night, causing flights to be diverted and downing trees - as more flood warnings were issued.

Days after heavy rain and gales lashed the UK, disrupting the Christmas travel plans of thousands of people, the Met Office has once again issued severe weather warnings.

The Environment Agency map showing flood warnings and alerts in the UK

Flights were diverted and cancelled overnight and some train companies said they would not be running any services until at least midday today. 

Cheshire Police said many trees had been uprooted as gales swept across the county.

"Many trees down due to strong winds. We would ask all drivers to exercise extreme caution whilst driving tonight," the force tweeted.

The storm is forecast to spread east across the UK during the morning, with the worst-affected areas expected to be northern England and northern parts of Wales.

Police and fire services across the country have reported road closures because of uprooted trees and Dublin Airport had to divert six planes because of strong winds.

The Bognor Regis rail route was closed after this landslip at Ockley

Gatwick Airport said it had "additional teams of engineers, electrical staff and volunteers at the airport to minimise the risk of disruption".

The Environment Agency (EA) is warning of more "significant disruption" across southern England.

This landslip also blocked the line on the Brighton Main Line near Redhill

A spokesperson for the Agency said: "It is possible that heavy rain may worsen the current flooding situation in some areas with rivers responding quickly to rain falling on already saturated ground."

The rain will exacerbate ongoing river flooding across the Somerset Levels, River Severn, River Thames and River Ouse in Cambridgeshire and rivers across Essex.

It will also worsen the situation along the River Medway and the Kentish Stour around Ashford and Canterbury.

There are 52 flood warnings and 157 flood alerts in place, but the EA said the number of alerts may increase as rivers respond to the further band of rainfall.

The Met Office recorded a gust of wind in Aberdaron, in west Wales, of 109mph early this morning.

General wind speeds of between 60mph and 80mph are expected in the UK.

A man removes items from his home after flooding in Tonbridge

More than 43,000 people were left without power following Monday night's storm and around 1,200 properties were flooded in England.

According to ESB Networks, in Ireland, some 15,000 homes and businesses are understood to be without power with engineers dealing with almost 300 individual faults.

This number is expected to increase by the morning.

A man paddles his canoe past a flooded property in Yalding

The South West of Ireland is the worst effected with at least 5,000 homes out in the Cork and Bandon areas.

A large fault in Dundalk is also impacting on 2,000 customers while Lisdoonvarna and Kilfenora in Clare are also without power.

In Limerick a fault in Abbeyfeale has left 2,000 customers without electricity.

Network Rail advises that routes will need to be checked at first light and tracks will need to be cleared of any fallen trees and any damage will need repaired before train services can start.

Southeastern said it is unlikely it will be able to run any metro or mainline train services until at least midday, while Network Rail added that services in Kent and Anglia will be delayed.

Robin Gisby, managing director of network operations at Network Rail, said: "Passengers have had a tough week of travelling and unfortunately that is likely to continue for at least another day.

"Thousands of railway workers have worked tirelessly over the holiday period to try and repair the significant damage caused by Monday's storm and will be called on again over the next 24 hours.

"As ever, safety comes first, as we ensure routes are safe for passenger services leading to a delayed start-up in some regions."

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Sales: Shoppers Ready For More Bargain Hunting

Bargain-hungry shoppers are expected to spend nearly £3bn today on the second day of the post-Christmas sales.

The amount of money spent is predicted to be more than the estimated £2.7bn spent in shops and online on Boxing Day.

High streets should see a repeat of some of the frenzied scenes witnessed yesterday as shoppers queued for hours to get the best bargains.

A total of £2.22bn was projected to have been spent in stores on Thursday, up 5.7% on last year, according to the Centre for Retail Research (CRR).

Online shoppers spent £540m - a new daily record - on Boxing Day, up 15% on last year, IMRG, the internet retailers' association, said.

Many people queued from before dawn in London

Total spending on Friday could be even higher, with shops expected to take £2.57bn - up more than 7% on last year's £2.4bn on December 27.

Online sales are expected to peak £400m.

Thousands of people hit British high streets yesterday for the traditional Boxing Day sales, with international tourists out in force and spending big.

Many keen bargain-hunters started queuing before dawn to ensure they were first in line when the shops opened.

Shoppers are predicted to spend £2.5bn in the high street on Friday

Selfridges on Oxford Street in central London saw some of the largest queues.

As 3,500 shoppers surrounded the huge shopping emporium, it was apparent the queue was made up of people from all around the world - particularly from China.

The significant presence of international shoppers was confirmed by Global Blue tax-free shopping experts.

Shoppers from Qatar spend the most on average per transaction (£1,714) followed by those from the United Arab Emirates (£1,372).

But a spokesman said Chinese shoppers are the biggest spenders overall.

They spend £1,367 on average per transaction but are more likely to return to the tills with more goods.

Selfridges celebrated its most successful ever first hour of trade, taking over £1.9 m between 9am and 10am - up 16% compared to last year.

Harrods also kicked off its winter sale and offered mugs of hot chocolate, smoked salmon canapes and blankets to keep people warm in the queue.

Department store Liberty offered designer goods at a fraction of their usual price, while both Next and Marks & Spencer boasted discounts of up to 50% on sale items.

Bluewater in Kent predicted more than 800,000 people will come through its doors between Boxing Day and New Year's Eve.

More than 1.4m shoppers were expected to spend a total of more than £50m in London's West End today.

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UK Set For More Flooding And Travel Chaos

The Environment Agency has warned of more weather chaos over the next few days - and says flooding may get worse in some areas.

Thousands of people spent Christmas Day without power and many were evacuated due to flooding.

With stormy weather expected to continue through the week, the Environment Agency (EA) said the Christmas misery may get worse.

Rolt family, from Crawley, have a candlelit McDonald's meal for Christmas

It said there may be "significant disruption" across south England overnight, and "heavy showers may worsen the current flooding situation in some areas".

A spokesman added: "Ongoing river flooding across the Somerset Levels, River Severn, River Thames and River Ouse in Cambridgeshire and rivers across Essex is expected over the next few days."

More than 1,000 homes have so far been flooded in England, and thousands of properties are still without power.

Experts have warned that electricity may not be fully restored in some houses until the end of the week.

Nick Rolt, from Crawley, tweeted a picture of his family sitting down to a candlelit McDonald's meal on Christmas Eve when their power went off.

The Environment Agency's map shows flood warnings across England and Wales

The EA has two severe warnings in place in the South West - the highest level of alert, which means there is a danger to life. They are at Beaulieu Garden Park Home Site and Iford Bridge Home Park.

There are 93 flood warnings and 185 flood alerts across England and Wales.

Firefighters broke their strike in parts of England because of the storms.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union in Surrey and Kent were recalled to duty under the terms of an agreement between the union, the employers and the Government.

In the early hours of Christmas Day, around 90 people were evacuated from their homes on the River Stour near Bournemouth.

People were also evacuated from the Beaulieu Garden Park Home in Christchurch, Dorset.

The Coastguard joined Kent Fire and Rescue Service to rescue people from the Little Venice Caravan and Marina Park in Yalding after rising waters from the River Medway cut them off.

There was chaos at Gatwick Airport in West Sussex after a power cut at the North Terminal led to cancellations and delays, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Airport bosses face a possible investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) over the chaos - which came two months after flights were hit by another storm.

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Fox Hunts To Ride Out For Boxing Day Meets

Thousands of supporters are expected to attend Boxing Day hunts across the UK today as a poll shows 80% of people remain opposed to hunting with dogs for sport.

Some 250 hunts will ride out on the biggest day of the hunting calendar, some following an artificial scent while others are expected to hunt foxes within the law.

Groups of hunt saboteurs are also expected to be out in force, monitoring hunts they believe will try and flout the law and hunt foxes illegally.

The poll suggests opinions on hunting are the same in urban and rural areas

The survey commissioned by animal welfare organisation The League Against Cruel Sports reveals 80% of the public think hunting should not be made legal again.

In October, David Cameron had suggested he was sympathetic to calls by farmers demanding the right to use packs of hounds to flush foxes out of woodland to be shot.

Downing Street suggested it may introduce a government motion to amend the 2004 ban on hunting by relaxing rules that say farmers can only use two dogs to hunt.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said he was particularly worried about hill farmers who have suffered heavy losses of livestock that is threatening their livelihoods.

Joe Duckworth, chief executive of The League Against Cruel Sports, said: "Hunting is a sickeningly cruel blood sport, which, like us, the majority of the British public do not want brought back.

"Voting for repeal would be political suicide. We need to move forward as a nation, not backwards on matters of animal welfare."

The survey, carried out by Ipsos MORI, also suggests that on the issue of legalising fox hunting, there is no difference between people living in rural areas and those in urban areas.

Gavin Grant, chief executive of the RSPCA, which also commissioned the survey, said: "As a rural dweller I have always known that opposition to hunting with dogs has never been an issue of 'town versus country'. This poll proves it once and for all.

"The message to MPs is loud and clear. Hunting wild animals with dogs is unethical, inhumane and cruel."

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Storms Wreak Misery And Chaos For Christmas

Tens of thousands of people across the UK are facing a miserable Christmas Day, with flooded homes, no power - and a big struggle to get home because of travel disruption.

Dozens of homes have been left under water and tens of thousands will spend the day without electricity after torrential rain lashed the country.

The coastguard rescued 76 people from a caravan park flooded by the River Medway at Yalding in Kent last night.

Rescuers helped residents at the Little Venice Caravan and Marina Park leave by boat and 4x4 vehicles.

Travel chaos at Gatwick Airport - pic: @walshymk

By 8pm the water was chest deep, and a helicopter was brought in as a precaution while the last 21 people were led to safety.

Travellers trying to get home on Christmas Eve also battled treacherous conditions on the roads and suffered major delays as the rail network was brought to its knees.

Five people have died in the last three days because of the violent weather.

There was chaos at Gatwick Airport in West Sussex after a power cut at the North Terminal led to cancellations and delays, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The airport said normal service would resume today.

Passenger's luggage at Gatwick Airport

Police officers stepped in to calm passengers as they demanded information about their flights.

Hundreds of pieces of luggage were strewn across the airport as no bags were able to be checked in.

Although today is expected to see calmer weather, more storms are expected on Friday.

Around 75,000 homes across the UK are still without power after Monday's downpours and strong winds, the Energy Networks Association said.

Tonbridge in Kent has been hit by severe flooding - pic: Toby MacKenzie

Train services were subject to delays and cancellations with more than 200 trees falling on lines in the last 24 hours.

The Environment Agency said 150 properties had been flooded in England, mainly in Surrey and Kent, with numbers expected to rise.

Firefighters in the two counties broke a five-hour nationwide strike last night to help deal with the effects of the storms.

In Surrey, residents were evacuated from their homes in Dorking, Leatherhead and Guildford, while more evacuations occurred in Tonbridge, Kent.

A police officer calms crowds at Gatwick - pic: Joe Pattinson

Some 40 properties were evacuated in Godalming because of concerns over the height of the River Wey, Surrey Police said.

In the Mole Valley, evacuations took place in Leatherhead and Dorking after the River Mole burst its banks in several areas.

Police said the Flanchford Bridge over the River Mole near Reigate had collapsed, but no one was injured.

In Dorset, fire crews had to rescue 25 people trapped in their cars by flood water.

Fire crews rescued motorists - pic: Dorset Fire and Rescue Service

More than 300 flood alerts and warnings remain in place.

The number of warnings - the category the Environment Agency uses to alert residents that "immediate action is required" - has jumped to 125 across the UK.

There are also 226 flood alerts, which indicate "flooding is possible, be prepared".

The most severely affected areas remain the south west and south east where there is one "severe flood warning" - the River Mole at Leatherhead and Fetcham, Surrey.

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Queen's Speech: Monarch Reflects On 2013

By Paul Harrison, Royal correspondent

The Queen will reflect on key events of the past 12 months in her traditional Christmas broadcast, including the birth of her great-grandson Prince George and the 60th anniversary of her Coronation.

In her message, recorded earlier this month at Buckingham Palace, the 87-year-old Monarch will say: "We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection.

"With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock." 

The head of the Commonwealth will also use the theme of 'reflection' to look ahead to the Commonwealth Games being staged in Glasgow next year.

It is expected to be a full house at Sandringham this year with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joining the family for the festivities, including the traditional Christmas Day church service.

It will be their son Prince George's first Christmas at the Norfolk estate.

The Monarch will reflect on the birth of her great-grandson, Prince George

The Queen will refer in her message to her growing family by saying "...the arrival of a baby gives everyone the chance to contemplate the future with renewed happiness and hope."

During the broadcast, behind-the-scenes footage will be shown for the first time of the photoshoot at Clarence House in October, shortly after the Christening of Prince George at the Chapel Royal.

One photograph taken was that of the Queen with the next three generations of monarchs including Princes Charles, William and George.

As the Queen speaks to the British people, and those of the Commonwealth, the historic photograph takes pride of place next to her at the Palace alongside a framed image of her father George VI and mother, the Queen Mother.

The Christmas address is written by the Queen and is one of the rare occasions when she does not turn to the Government for advice but is able to voice her own views.

It was this year recorded in Buckingham Palace's Blue Drawing Room which features a large Christmas tree decorated with coloured baubles.

During her message, the Queen is seated wearing a single crepe-wool primrose dress designed by Angela Kelly, which she wore to William and Kate's wedding in April 2011.

On her left shoulder is a diamond, ruby and sapphire brooch, a present from her parents to celebrate the birth of Charles in 1948, which she wore at George's Christening.

The message will be broadcast on Sky News at 3pm.

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Adoption: New Online Maps To Ease Process

Would-be adopters are being urged by a minister to use online maps to help match them to some of the 6,000 children in need of a home.

The interactive maps include local information such as the ratio of children in need of waiting adopters and the approval rate.

Children and Families Minister Edward Timpson said there had been "promising progress" to improve adoption rates but significantly more needed to be done.

"This Christmas I want anyone considering adoption to look carefully at the information in our interactive maps and consider whether they can offer a child a stable and loving home," said the minister, who has two adopted brothers.

"There remains significant work to do next year.

"Our new adoption leadership board will play an important role ensuring local authorities and adoption agencies stay on track and recruit more adopters.

Successful adoptions are up by 15% following reforms

"A further £50m for councils in 2014 will help them put the building blocks in place to implement our reforms."

Department for Education figures show a 34% increase in willing adopters and successful adoptions up by 15% following the implementation of reforms.

Adoption UK chief executive Hugh Thornbery said: "We've seen a rise in adoptions this year, but we still need more adopters to provide loving homes for some of society's most vulnerable children.

"We know that key to attracting more adopters is the assurance of accessible, timely and appropriate support."

David Simmonds, chair of the Local Government Association's Children and Young People Board, said an increased focus on improving adoption services was a "positive move, but this isn't new money".

He said it represented a net reduction in funding for local authorities and could impact on services for vulnerable children.

"Councils have been working hard to recruit more adoptive mums and dads and are doing everything in their power to ensure that vulnerable children get the best start in life," he said.

"The fact remains that we still need thousands more potential adopters to come forward to offer loving homes.

"Councils also rightly acknowledge that there is variation in performance across the country and the LGA is working with the Government to help support improvement.

"However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach and decisions must be made on what is in the best interests of each individual child."

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More Storms Threaten Christmas Eve Travel Plans

Severe storms are once again threatening to throw the Christmas travel plans of thousands of passengers across the UK into disarray.

Strong gales and heavy rains are forecast to sweep most of the country bringing travel chaos to people hoping to get home in time for Christmas.

The Environment Agency has issued hundreds of flood warnings across all of England and Wales, with a severe flood warning - the highest level- warning of danger to life in the South West, where properties are expected to flood.

The Environment Agency this morning issued hundreds of flood warnings

Widespread rail delays and cancellations are expected to hit commuters this morning, and the Highways Agency has warned of widespread localised flooding and road closures.

Southern Railway have advised passengers not to make any plans to travel today until further notice because of damage caused by the storm overnight.

South West Trains said there would be no service before 10am due to 35 trees blocking lines and flooding across the network.

Maintenance teams have been working through the night to carry out repairs and clear blocked lines.

Power supply problems have also affected signalling with the West of England and Portsmouth lines worst affected.

Customers were being advised to check the latest travel situation before starting their journeys.

A woman and a dog brave the gales in Sidmouth, Devon

A spokesman for the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance said: "The past 24 hours have been very difficult for our customers and we are sorry they have faced significant disruption.

"It has also been a tough time for our frontline teams across the network who have been working extremely hard in difficult conditions to keep trains running.

"Weather forecasters expect the worst of the extreme conditions to be over by the early hours of the morning, allowing us to run trains that check the lines are safe for passenger services.

We would like to thank customers for their patience while we carry out this essential work, which will mean a later start than normal for our services."

Gales and heavy rain lashed most parts of the UK yesterday

As storms swept the UK on Monday, thousands of homes were left without power and road, rail, air and sea passengers were left stranded.

Police urged people to stay away from the water's edge following the deaths of two people who were caught in rivers.

A 48-year-old man, from Lancaster, was swept away by the River Rothay in Ambleside, Cumbria, after he and a dog were spotted in the river.

His body was recovered after a search by emergency services while the dog managed to get out of the water, police said.

The RNLI rescued this labrador swept out to sea off Sea Palling, Norfolk

A woman also died in a river in Gwynedd, North Wales. Rescue teams were called to Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda, on Monday afternoon but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue team spokesman Paul Smith said: "It seems the woman had gone out to check the water supply to her house.

"A little while later her partner noticed she had gone and raised the alarm.

"The place she was found is just 50 metres from her house. It's a small stream that runs off the mountain - about half a metre wide and three quarters of a metre deep - but it was in full flow."

This morning the Environment Agency has some 258 flood alerts and 104 severe flood warnings in place, about 80 of which were in the South West and South East.

Robin Gisby, managing director of network operations at Network Rail, said staff cleared about 80 trees from lines and overhead wires to help get passengers home.

Hundreds of engineers have been out clearing tracks and fixing damage overnight, he said, and staff will be checking lines this morning to get trains running as soon as possible.

Mr Gisby added: "Some routes will start up a little later than usual, and so our advice to anyone planning to travel is to check with their train operator or national rail enquiries before they set off and to leave extra time for their journey.

"Rest assured we will do everything we can to get everyone where they need to be for Christmas."

Christmas Day is expected to be calmer with just a few wintry showers in the north and west, while Boxing Day looks mainly fine, but stormy conditions look set to return on Friday.

Meanwhile,  the RNLI released footage of the rescue of a Labrador swept out to sea and thought by its owner to be dead.

The pair had been out walking when it went into the waters off Sea Palling, on the north Norfolk coast, and was taken away by the tide. The RNLI crew took to their boats and searched the reefs half a mile off the coast for the dog.

The crew finally heard barking coming from one of the reefs and there found the animal cold, wet and frightened, but otherwise unhurt.

The Environment Agency Flood Line can be contacted on 0845 988 1188 for advice and up to date information.

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Weather Warning As Travel Delays Expected

Millions of travellers preparing for the Christmas getaway are being warned to expect delays on the roads and railways with strong winds and heavy rain expected across Britain on Monday.

At least 27 rail networks are expected to be affected by the weather with gusts of up to 60mph likely nearly everywhere in the afternoon, possibly reaching 80mph later in the day in some areas.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for the day, and motorists are being told to brace themselves for problems - particularly those heading to the southwest of England and parts of Scotland.

The scene beside the A9 at Drumochter this morning (pic: @BEAR_Scotland)

The Cumbrian Coast Line between Carlisle and Barrow is already shut due to a landslide, while flooding has closed part of the line in Crowborough.

Cumbrian Police are urging people to take extra care and be prepared for flooding caused by heavy rain.

The Highways Agency, in conjunction with the Met Office, is advising drivers of high-sided or other vehicles vulnerable to high winds to avoid several roads including the M4 from junctions 22 to 23 and the M5 from junctions 18 to 19.

Weather disruption on the A9 southbound in Scotland (pic: @EuanWest)

John McTaggart, head of on-road services at the Agency, said: "We are working closely with the Met Office to monitor conditions ahead of tomorrow.

"Road users are urged to check traffic and weather conditions before setting out on journeys and to heed any advice such as speed restrictions once they are on the strategic road network.

"Be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles plenty of space.

Passengers at Kings Cross are advised of disruption to their travel plans

"In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close certain bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow the clearly signed diversion routes. "

Arriva Trains Wales, c2C, Chiltern Railways, Cross Country, First Capital Connect, Virgin Trains, East Coast Trains, East Midlands Trains and First Hull Trains are all warning of disruption to services tomorrow. First Capital Connect said the delays could run into Tuesday.

Approximately two trains per hour are expected to run between Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham and all other stations into London St Pancras International from noon on Monday.

This landslip at Harrington in Cumbria caused delays for train passengers

South East trains say buses have replaced trains from Hastings to Tonbridge due to a landslip at Wadhurst, East Sussex.

Rail operators say passengers with tickets for trains tomorrow should travel today if possible. East Midlands Trains have confirmed that anyone with a ticket for tomorrow may travel today. Advance ticket holders may also travel on services earlier than the time specified on the ticket.

Virgin Trains advised passengers with tickets valid tomorrow to travel before 3pm where possible due to expected speed restrictions.

Train services could be hit by gusts of up to 80mph

The Environment Agency say flood alerts are in place in several areas across the country and motorists are advised to contact the Highways Agency if roads start to flood with a build-up of surface water. The RAC is predicting that 13 million people will take to the roads from December 24 to 26.

Drivers are being urged to check the latest flood updates ahead of their journey - and to not to drive through dangerous floodwater.

The Environment Agency and the AA strongly advise not entering flood water that is moving or more than 10cm deep.

Many delayed passengers vented their frustration on Twitter

David Jordan, Director of Operations at the Environment Agency, said: "Tragically people die because they've taken risks and attempted to drive through flood water just to save a few minutes.

The Met Office 'Be Aware' warning covers the whole UK

"Flood water is dangerous. If there is widespread flooding in your area then don't travel and if a road is closed then turn around and make a detour. Your journey could take you a little longer but making the right decision could ultimately save your life."

Sky News Weather Presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said: "Very strong winds are expected on Monday as the deep area of low pressure across the southwest moves northwards past the Western Isles of Scotland.

"Gusts are expected to reach 60mph almost everywhere during the afternoon. During the evening and overnight, wind gusts may reach 70-80mph across central and south-eastern parts of England.

"Heavy rain is also expected to spread eastwards to most of the UK during the afternoon and overnight. So it will be a very wet and very windy day for all areas."

The worst of the weather is expected to clear by the end of Christmas Eve.

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Rolf Harris Faces Three More Assault Charges

Rolf Harris is to be prosecuted over three more allegations of indecent assault, including one relating to a seven or eight-year-old girl.

Harris already faces 13 other counts after being charged on August 29, 2013.

The Crown Prosecution Service said the first new charge is one offence of indecent assault of a 19-year-old girl in 1984 - the same complainant as six of the existing charges.

The other new charges are one offence of indecent assault of a girl aged seven or eight, in 1968 or 1969, and one offence of indecent assault of a girl aged 14, in 1975. 

Harris, 83, will next appear at London's Southwark Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on January 14.

His trial is scheduled to begin on April 30.

The 13 original charges against the Australian-born artist, musician and TV presenter relate to nine allegations of indecent assault and four of making indecent images of a child.

Harris was arrested by officers working on Operation Yewtree, the national investigation launched after abuse claims were made against Jimmy Savile, but the allegations against him have no connection to Savile.

He is currently on bail on the conditions that he does not contact prosecution witnesses, lives at his home address and does not spend time with anyone under 18 without being accompanied by someone over 21.

Harris, who has lived in Bray, Berkshire, for more than 50 years, has been in the public eye for decades.

He fronted the popular TV programme Animal Hospital and had several musical hits.

He painted a portrait of the Queen in 2005 and performed at her Diamond Jubilee concert last year.

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