Storm Dudley impacts thousands overnight

Thousands were left without power last night as Storm Dudley severely disrupted travel with widespread damages reported.

Northern Powergrid say around 20,000 homes were suffering from power outages in a statement this morning. At least 1,000 remain disconnected and many must wait until Friday for its return.

Ferry and some train routes were cancelled in Scotland amid the adverse conditions, some of which remain inoperable this morning due to damage and debris. Teams have been working through the night to clear lines.

Air travel was also impacted, including Premier League team Manchester City whose flight home from Lisbon following a match was forced to divert to Liverpool due to strong winds.

Intense winds spread across the north with a gust of 101 mph recorded by a weather station on Aonach Mòr in the Scottish Highlands.

Forestry and Land Scotland have also warned of damage to forested areas. Many trees have been weakened or felled completely by recent storms leaving woodland vulnerable to severe winds.

Storm Dudley will clear throughout today as things calm down into the evening before Storm Eunice’s arrival on Friday.

Eunice currently appears set to become stronger than Dudley with its peak impacting southern England allowing some respite for those in northern regions.

Large swathes of inland England and Wales will see gusting winds approaching 75 mph while across Ireland gales reach 60 mph in the east.