Storm Diana leaves 40,000 UK homes without power as 70mph winds batter Britain

29 November 2018, 11:11 | Updated: 29 November 2018, 12:26

Threat to life warnings have been issued in some of the worst affected areas.

Thousands of people have been left without power after 70mph gales battered Britain - and the gusts could get WORSE.

Storm Diana hit the UK and Ireland last night prompting the Met Office to issue a yellow wind warning for Wales and all parts of England barring the South East, with "danger to life" threats for tomorrow.

They added that the danger period covers noon today until 3pm, warning of winds of up to 80pmh, flying debris, falling trees, large waves and debris being thrown onto seafronts and coastal roads.

There have been 13 flood alerts issued for England, as well as two flood warnings where inundation is deemed to be likely tomorrow.

Some parts of Scotland could also get 35mm of rain in just SIX hours.

There is a chance that the conditions could worsen, with the wind knocking out power and bring delays to rail services up and down the country, with road and bridge closures also possible amid the chaos.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely with some journeys taking longer.

“There is the chance of some cancellations as well as some road and bridge closures. Some short term loss of power and other services is possible.”

Some towns in the South West of England, Ireland and Scotland have already been left without electricity causing a total blackout.

Engineers worked throughout the night to restore power, and workers on a North Sea oil rig 115 miles north of Shetland were evacuated in a dramatic mission.

An Asda in the Midlands had its roof ripped off by the extreme weather conditions.

Read more: Beast from the East is back as UK warned of month-long blizzards

Travel firms have urged customers to check with their airline today for updates on their flights before travelling to the airport, after it was revealed flights had been grounded at airports across the country.

Storm Diana, named by the official Portuguese Meteorological Authority (IPMA), marks the end of last week's cold spell, instead bringing wetter and windier conditions to the UK.