UK weather: Storm Ciara sees flights, trains and ferries cancelled as UK faces 100mph winds and downpours

Met Office issues 'danger to life' severe weather warning while pub roof collapses in Scotland

Hundreds of flights, trains, ferry services and events have been cancelled as the start of the UK’s worst storm in seven years sweeps over the UK.

Rail passengers are being warned not to travel on Sunday because Storm Ciara will bring flying debris, and road bridges are closed or speed restrictions will be imposed.

Householders have been warned trees and fences could be blown over in 100mph winds, and heavy rain could cause flooding in the worst-affected areas.

An estimated 25,000 passengers have been hit by cancellations to and from Heathrow after airline schedules were drastically cut.

British Airways cancelled at least 140 flights to and from Heathrow, including nine long-haul round-trips.

P&O Ferries cancelled all sailings between Liverpool and Dublin because of the storm in the Irish Sea.

The Met Office has issued a “danger to life” severe weather warning, with fears that gale-force winds could damage buildings and cause power cuts.

On Saturday nigh three people were injured after a pub roof partially collapsed in Perth, brought down by a neighbour’s chimney.

Several rail firms announced they would operate reduced timetables, with a blanket 50mph speed restriction in place across the network.

Network Rail and train operators in England issued an alert to passengers that read: “Only travel by train this Sunday if absolutely necessary.”

Rail bosses say strong winds could damage overhead electric wires and tracks due to debris or trees falling onto the railway.

Sporting events were cancelled across the country, and London’s eight Royal Parks were closed – a rare precaution. In 2013, 50 trees came down when storms forced the shutdown of the parks.

The London Winter Run 10k event – due to be attended by 25,000 runners – was cancelled after organisers said they were “not able to guarantee the safety” of runners, crew and volunteers.

The Deal half-marathon, Scunthorpe Valentines 10k race, Llanelli Half Marathon and other sporting events have also been called off.

The Humber Bridge, between Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, had a 30mph limit on Saturday night, and road chiefs were expecting it to shut on Sunday.

Dublin fire brigade warned household that bins, trampolines and garden furniture needed to be secured down.

After Sunday’s gales, thundersnow – in which snow falls during a storm instead of rain – is expected to strike on Monday and Tuesday.

Simon Partridge, a forecaster at the Met Office, said: “It would be covering the far north of Northern Ireland and western parts of Scotland. At times you could see a few thundery snow showers too.”

A yellow warning of wind covers the whole of the UK, while an amber warning has been issued for southeast England.

Met Office chief meteorologist Frank Saunders said: “Gusts of 50-60mph are expected quite widely across inland areas, with even stronger gusts of 80mph or higher along coastal areas, especially in southeast England and northern Scotland.”

Drivers are being warned to take extra care on the roads because of the heavy rain, particularly on coastal or exposed routes.

Guy Addington, regional water safety lead at the RNLI, said: “This rough weather could make visiting our coasts around the UK and Ireland treacherous and bring very dangerous sea conditions.

”If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 and ask for the coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – too many people drown trying to save others.”

Additional reporting by PA