Storm Barra has made landfall in the UK, bringing heavy snow and gale-force winds.
The storm poses a danger to life and is likely to cause chaos across the country, with forecasters warning of flying debris, blizzards, flooding, hazardous driving conditions and travel delays.
Huge waves have crashed into the coast of Devon this morning, with trains cancelled between Exeter and Plymouth.
ScotRail has also announced that a number of their services have been axed in preparation for the storm.
Gusts have reached 67mph off the Cornish coast this morning - and were as high as 96mph in Ireland.
Footage and pictures show trampolines flying through the air in Ireland, which has so far borne the brunt of the storm.
Follow our live blog for the latest updates on Storm Barra.
That's all for the blog tonight - keep checking on the website for updates
That's all for the live weather blog this evening, but keep an eye on the website for any more updates.
We will also have a full weather forecast for Wednesday later on.
For now you can look back through our coverage of the day's storm here or check back through our main story all about Barra by clicking here.
Body of elderly woman found in river during Storm Barra after 'falling from bridge'
The body of an elderly woman has been discovered in a flooded river after she fell into the water during Storm Barra.
Venetia Smith, known as Netia, went missing from her home in Blandford, Dorset, this morning, prompting her family to call the police.
The 80-year-old's stroller was found at a bridge crossing the River Stour near a Morrison's supermarket in the rural market town.
It is thought she fell from the bridge and was swept away by the water.
A search of the area ensued and her body was later uncovered from the river about a mile downstream at 3pm.
- Read the full story here.
Maximum wind gusts hit near-90mph as storm continues to rage, says Met Office
The Met Office has revealed the top wind speeds that have so far been confirmed during Storm Barra's UK-wide barrage.
Forecasters said the strongest maximum gusts were recorded in Aberdaron in Gwynedd with 86mph confirmed.
The second highest speed was captured in Valley, North Wales, at 76mph, which was tied with Orlock Head, Down, with the same speed.
Next was Pembrey Sands which saw 73mph gusts followed by St Beeds Head in Cumbria with 71mph winds.
Could I'm A Celebrity be taken off air again as Storm Barra rages through Wales?
I'm A Celebrity risks being taken off the air again as Storm Barra hits Wales.
The local area has been given a yellow weather warning for wind and there are now fears the show could be brought off air again by the poor weather conditions.
It has been back on air for less than a week after Storm Arwen caused terrible damage to the show's production tents and the show had to be cancelled for three days as crews battled to save the show.
In new video footage, filmed on Tuesday, the rain and wind batters the castle and the surrounding set.
- Read the full story here.
Roof torn off secondary school as Storm Barra lashes Wales
A school has had part of its roof ripped off during Storm Barra.
Ysgol Bryngwyn in Llanelli suffered damage to its roof on Tuesday afternoon as Storm Barra hit parts of Wales and the rest of the UK and Ireland.
Pictures show part of the roof ripped off during the storm, which has seen winds in excess of 70mph recorded in Wales today, Wales Online reports.
Emergency services are also attending following reports of debris on the road, with police asking people to avoid the area.
A yellow wind warning has been issued for Bridgend, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd, Anglesey, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Swansea and Vale of Glamorgan until 6pm on Wednesday.
A statement on the Dyfed-Powys Police social media said: "Emergency services are currently on [the] scene dealing with debris on the road due to wind damage. Please avoid the area."
Scottish football match called off after Storm Barra ravages the area
Tuesday's Cinch Scottish League Two game between Elgin and league leaders Kelty Hearts at Borough Briggs was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Storm Barra has swept over parts of Scotland and Northern England and left the conditions in Elgin in an unplayable state.
After a pitch inspection at 6.15pm, the referee decided to call the game off.
A rescheduled date will be announced in due course.
Pub on the coast - the Ship Inn - completely surrounded by floodwater in deluge
A pub on the coast has been completely surrounded by floodwater as a result of storm Barra today.
Waves could be seen lapping around the ironically named Ship Inn, at Emsworth Harbour in Langstone, Havant with cars and bins submerged by the sea water.
According to its website the traditional pub has recently been refurbished, and is due to host a production of A Christmas Carol this festive season.
The images were captured by local photographer Vicky Stovell, 41 who was returning to her home in nearby Hilsea when she spotted the devastating deluge.
Vicky said: "I had treated my mum to lunch on Hayling Island and on the drive back we saw that the sea had risen and there was a huge flood.
"I take photographs in that area all the time and have never seen anything like it, it was really shocking.
"It does come up sometimes, but never normally this high, the benches that people sit on to watch the sea were underwater, it was really dramatic."
Schools shut because of the storm with some expected to remain closed tomorrow
Some schools in Scotland have been forced to shut because of Storm Barra.
Schools in Dumfries and Galloway have been forced to close, Express reports.
Stranraer Academy had to shut after strong winds caused structural damage to its roof.
Meanwhile, Drummore School also had to close because of trees being blown down.
Other schools have also been shut, including Sheuchan School and Raphad School.
In Ireland reports say that schools which are currently or scheduled to be under red or orange weather warnings will stay shut for a second day.
This includes schools in counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo and Wexford.
The closure extension is said to be for assessment of the impact of Storm Barra to take place.
Relief after power finally restored in homes following earlier storm Arwen
While the latest storm rages people who suffered power cuts during the previous Storm Arwen have spoken of their relief after finally being reconnected.
Northern Powergrid is in its "last push" to restore electricity in areas of the country after it was cut off by the storm which battered the country during the last days of November.
The same homes are now being hit by Storm Barra which, although not expected to be as severe as Storm Arwen, has already made itself felt across the UK and Ireland, with gusty winds battering communities.
On Monday Prime Minister Boris Johnson said more than 1,000 homes were still without power but that he was assured by Northern Powergrid boss Phil Jones that "affected properties would be reconnected tomorrow (Tuesday) at the latest".
Mr Johnson said "too many people have spent too long without power" and the situation in northern England was not acceptable.
Stewart Sexton, 57, said the power at his home near Alnwick, Northumberland, has finally been restored after 10 days.
Mr Sexton said he and his partner, Jane, were forced to live without power from November 26 after a telegraph pole in their village snapped.
He said they used candles for light and a wood-burning stove to heat pans of water to wash and make hot drinks.
He said: "Our electricity was connected at around 6pm last night (Monday). We were 10 days without heating and I have no idea how we coped. It was worse for a lot of people but was still a nightmare.
"It has been absolutely exhausting. Even today I still haven't warmed through yet.
"It feels like you've been camping or to a 10-day music festival. How elderly people and people with young children coped is beyond me."
When will power be restored after thousands left without electricity in storm?
Thousands of people across Ireland have suffered power cuts as the effects of Storm Barra continue to cause havoc.
The country's Electricity Supply Board has since given an update on the regions that have been affected by the cuts and when it is estimated the power will come back on.
The Irish Mirror reports that there are currently about 49,000 homes without power.
Here is the full list for when the lights are due to come back on:
CorkBishopstown - 9:00 pm
Curraleigh - 6:45 pm
Kinsale - 6:30 pm
Timoleague - 7:15 pm
Castleview - 9:00 pm
Coolroe - 7:30 pm
Ringaskiddy - 10:00 pm
Togher - 10:00 pm
Buttevant - 11:15 pm
Cloyne - 9:15 pm
Coolcarron - 9:00 pm
Fermoy North - 8:45 pm
TipperaryArdfinnan - 8:45 pm
Foxhole - 7:30 pm
Garranacanty - 8:15 pm
Holycross Road - 9:45 pm
DublinInchicore - 7:30 pm
Whitehall - 9:30 pm
Balgaddy - 8:15 pm
Malahide - currently unknown
Sutton - 8:45 pm
Sallynoggin - 6:45 pm
WicklowArklow - 5:30 pm
Kilmagig - 8:30 pm
Crane - 6:00
Ballybeg - 5:00 pm
WaterfordDeerpark - 8:15 pm
Kilcarragh - 6:30 pm
New Ross - 6:00 pm
Tramore - 9:15 pm
Roof torn off at indoor ski centre as ferocious winds batter city
A section of roof of an indoor ski centre in Manchester has been ripped off in the ferocious winds caused by storm Barra.
Chill Factore, in Trafford Park has been forced to close for repairs after some of its roof was damaged.
All activities at the indoor ski slope have been cancelled for the rest of the day after the Beyond building was affected by 'severe winds'.
Car parks surrounding the popular tourist attraction, in Trafford, have also been closed with immediate effect, reports the MEN.
It is not yet clear when the centre will reopen.
In a statement on its website, Chill Factore said: "The Beyond building has sustained some damage due to the severe winds.
"As a result we’ve made the difficult decision to close our building and surrounding car parks with immediate effect to protect the health and safety of our guests and team."
What should you do in a power cut and can you get compensation?
Thousands of homes have been left without power during the worst of the storm, and more could be cut off as it continues to rage.
While a power cut can be frightening there is official advice on what to do when the worst happens.
The UK Government's Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has published information for anybody affected by power cuts.
Below is what they had to say when Storm Arwen hit last week:
Practical and safety steps to take if your power goes off
You should:
- switch off all electrical appliances that shouldn’t be left unattended
- check on neighbours to see if they are safe and if they are also experiencing a power cut
- call your network operator for free by dialling 105, or visit the 105 website for further information on any disruptions
- check with your energy network operator to find out what accommodation support they may provide to customers affected by power cuts
There are welfare centres set up in some of the worst hit areas to provide hot food and respite, and energy network operators are working with the British Red Cross to provide extra help and support, particularly for vulnerable customers.
What if I need extra support or know of someone who is vulnerable?
Local network operators have a Priority Services Register to support customers who are vulnerable, elderly or may need extra assistance during power cuts. During disruptions, they can contact vulnerable customers registered in areas affected to offer any assistance that is needed in the event of a power cut.
Those who feel they need extra help can become a Priority Service Member for free.
More information about Priority Service Membership is available on the Energy Networks Association website, along with links for contacting your energy network operator to join their Priority Services scheme.
If your power has gone out and you are not a Priority Services Member but need help, speak to your network operator now to let them know.
You may also want to contact your council.
Can I get compensation for a power cut?
Ofgem, the independent regulator for the UK’s energy networks, sets service levels that companies must meet, with rules on how quickly network operators must restore power, and compensation payments to consumers if the standards are not met.
Information about applying for compensation is available from Ofgem’s website. Eligibility for compensation is dependent on the cause and length of the power cut.
Ferocious winds in Scotland have reached speeds of up to 68mph, Met Office says
Gusts in Scotland have reached as high as 68mph, the Met Office has said, as Storm Barra makes its way across the country.
The gust was recorded in Machrihanish, near Campbeltown in Argyll, on Tuesday afternoon, with strong winds forecast to continue throughout the night.
"The strong winds will continue across the UK this evening, bringing widely 40-50mph, and up to 65mph at the coast. This could give tricky travelling conditions, some power outages and large waves at the coast," said Becky Mitchell, senior operational meteorologist at the Met Office.
"Rain and snow will clear Scotland after midnight and the winds will gradually ease for most of the country.
"However, it will stay windy in parts of south-west England and Wales, where a yellow wind warning remains in force through Wednesday."
Meanwhile, snow fell in Northumberland and London was hit by strong winds, as seen in the pictures captured below.
Storm Barra is just 'halfway through' warns housing minister
Storm Barra is only "halfway through" and the strongest winds could be yet to come, Ireland's Housing Minister has warned.
Some 56,000 homes are without power and may not be reconnected for a number of days, Government officials have said, after the country was battered by winds of up to 130km per hour.
The Defence Forces are to be drafted in for "extensive recovery operations", to clear debris and damage caused by the storm.
Minister Darragh O'Brien said: "We are only halfway through. The winds may increase, and are projected to do so later in the day and into the evening.
"Not that there's any sense of complacency. The public have responded really well, but just to be on their guard.
"I think people should be on their guard throughout today and into tonight."
After making landfall on Tuesday morning, Storm Barra has caused flooding in southern parts of the country, particularly in parts of Co Cork.
The impacts have included a flooding of 23 premises in Bantry in Co Cork, some other properties in Galway city and in Cork city.
There has been one report of a person being injured in the south-west of the country, although it is not yet clear if this is related to the storm.
Weather warning in place for wind has been extended by the Met Office
A severe weather warning in place for wind from midnight until 6pm on Wednesday has been extended.
The Met Office warning, which predicts 'strong winds continuing to cause potential disruption to travel' will now cover the entire west coast of Wales.
It will continue to cover the south west of England along with south Wales.
Experts said the warning had been updated this afternoon so that it extends to include north west Wales.
The Met Office said: "Strong westerly winds slowly moderating through Wednesday.
"Wind gusts of 45-50 mph expected widely across the region, with a potential of 55-65 mph for exposed coastal locations.
"In addition to strong winds, there is a potential for large waves along windward coasts."
Forecasters said people should expect:
- Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely
- Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer
- Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely
- Some short term loss of power and other services is possible
- It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves
Police warn motorists after car flips during Storm Barra
Officers have issued a stark warning after a motorist had a lucky escape from an overturned car during ferocious stormy winds.
Police Causeway Coast and Glens took to Facebook to highlight one accident that happened this morning on Cushendall Road, Ballycastle.
In a post the force said: "With the weather getting worse and wind speeds increasing please take extra care whilst using the roads. This driver was very lucky to walk away from this accident this morning without any serious or life changing injuries. This occurred on the Cushendall Road, Ballycastle.
"There is a high amount of debris, bins, trees, branches and standing water on the roads today so please take your time, and pay attention to the road and your surroundings.
"Please also take care when out walking scenic routes such as cliff paths and coastline paths. Your life is not worth the risk!
"Think safe, Drive Safe and Stay Safe!"
Storm Barra seen from space in spectacular images
Amazing images of Storm Barra have been shared by the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites.
The image on the left of their tweet was taken at 1pm UK time and was captured by the EUMETSAT's Meteosat-11 satellite.
The second image is a closer shot captured by the Copernicus Sentinel3 satellite earlier this morning.
Environment Agency warns people to 'Avoid beaches'
The Environment Agency in Yorkshire and the North East has warned people to avoid beaches, promenades and coastal paths as the area gets battered by Storm Barra.
It says strong onshore winds, large waves and sea spray can be dangerous for those close by.
Fish and chippy flooded by Storm Barra
It's all fun and games until a chippy gets flooded.
The Stanpit fish and chip shop in Dorset was overwhelmed by water today after the storm lashed rain down on the Christchurch shop.
Hopefully the essential public amenity won't be out of action for long.
You will soon be able to use a fishing rod at this #stanpit fish and chip shop #dorset #mudeford #christchurch @StormHour #winter #StormBarra pic.twitter.com/R3BxjFAZIB
— steven hogan (@Steve_Hogan_) December 7, 2021
Quayside flooded in Dorset at high tide
Parts of the coast in Dorset have been flooded at high tide.
The combination of a high tide, a lot of wind and bucket of rain have led the quayside in become flooded.
#StormBarra High tide flooding at Lymington Quay, and the barriers are up! @Bournemouthecho @dailyecho #Lymington pic.twitter.com/Ux7joYz5ux
— Karen Gregory COYH! (@MapleHornet) December 7, 2021
Air traveller urged to check their flights before heading to the airport
People hoping to travel abroad from Ireland during Storm Barra are urged to contact their airlines to check if their flights are still going ahead.
The storm is causing travel disruption across the country with public transport services affected and flooding and debris blocking many roads nationwide.
Gale force winds are affecting services from Irish airports too, with numerous flights either cancelled, delayed or diverted.
A Delta Airlines flight travelling from JFK in New York was due to land at Dublin Airport on Tuesday morning.
However, after failing twice to land during the high winds, the plane was instead diverted to Amsterdam Schipol Airport.
Man and woman rushed to hospital after tree falls on them during Storm Barra
Two people have been rushed to hospital after a tree fell on them during Storm Barra.
A man and woman required urgent medical help after the incident in Keswick, Lancashire, this morning.
North West Ambulance Service were called to Fitz Park following a 999 call at 10.33 reporting a tree had fallen on two people.
Large silver ball blown down high street
A large silver ball has been spotted rolling down a Berkshire high street.
According to a Twitter user, it was blown off a local jewellery store.
Fingers crossed they managed to get it back.
This giant silver ball was attached to a jewellery shop (Bannons) on bray Main Street. It’s now heading towards little bray via castle street. Stay safe, be vigilant. (I don’t know who shot the footage) pic.twitter.com/RzbycXN8vb
— Aaron McAllorum (@AaronMcAllorum) December 7, 2021
Snow begins to fall in parts of the UK
The snow has begun to fall across parts of the UK.
Footage from the Scottish capital show a fair sprinkling of flakes coming down this afternoon.
The Met Office has issued two yellow weather alerts for strong winds and heavy snow on Tuesday, with Scots urged to prepare for travel disruption.
It is still uncertain whether the snow will settle in lower lying areas.
Snowy scenes #edinburgh #StormBarra pic.twitter.com/uEGe5liZoi
— Jason Rose (@mr_jason_rose) December 7, 2021
Serious wind and waves keep battering the coast
The country is being battered by Storm Barra.
Drop us a line if you've been captured some of its ferocity.
Email webnews@mirror.co.uk and keep safe
Peak #StormBarra here on The Hill, Electricity gone, high winds.. #Abbeyfeale #Limerick pic.twitter.com/X6LlhURsau
— Philip Gleeson (@BuachaillDana2) December 7, 2021
Lyme Regis battered by Barra this morning #stormbarra #lymeregis #dorset pic.twitter.com/heH0qziHXG
— Love Lyme Regis (@Love_Lyme_Regis) December 7, 2021
Heavy rain and wind out in west cork#stormbarra https://t.co/lYQIfYT4Rt
— Pakjoz (@pako_mmusi) December 7, 2021
Storm to continue lashing British Isles tomorrow
The nasty weather will not be disappearing overnight.
Modelling from the Met Office shows another band of wind and rain moving across Ireland towards the UK tomorrow.
Gusts are expected to reach above 80mph at points.
Very strong winds are expected as #StormBarra continues to move slowly eastwards across the UK
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 7, 2021
Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/IiJfI87Q5b
Big cliff collapse captured in Devon
Among the many threats caused by inclement weather, falling rocks are not always top of the list.
A cliff in Budleigh Salterton in Devon has collapsed amid much wind and rain yesterday.
East Devon District Council said there is a 'significant risk' of further rock fall.
Big rock fall in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, yesterday. East Devon District Council is warning to people to stay away from the cliffs. pic.twitter.com/gBN9mmuX2K
— Sam Blackledge (@samblackledge) December 7, 2021
Welsh homes without power as ferries are cancelled
Wales has been taking a battering this morning as Storm Barra moves over the country.
Wind speeds of 69mph (111km/h) have been recorded in Aberdaron, Gwynedd.
At least 446 homes have lost power across Wales, according to Western Power, while ferry services between Rosslare and Fishguard have been cancelled.
Oh we don't love to be beside the sea
Today is not a great day to go to the seaside.
Strong winds are already whipping the water up into hefty waves.
The Met Office has urged people to be careful while walking along the sea front, warning that the strong swell is a danger to life.
Ferocious Storm Barra threatens UK with blizzards, tornadoes and heavy snow
Heavy snow is poised to fall on hundreds of homeowners stilled living in darkness ten days on as the Met Office warns of a "danger to life".
A band of snow is due to whip across the North and Scotland today, with ferocious winds threatening to turn it into a blizzard in the far north.
Some areas could even be hit by tornadoes, the Met Office has warned.
To read the Mirror's latest report, click here.