Storm Ciara: Travel disruption to continue as some areas hit by 20cm snow

'While Storm Ciara is clearing away, that doesn’t mean we’re entering a quieter period of weather,' says meteorologist

Storm Ciara may be clearing away but the Met Office has warned of snow and ice in its wake, as travel disruption is expected to continue.

Yellow weather warnings have been issued for wind and heavy snow for most of Scotland and northwest England, as up to 20cm of snow could fall on Monday and Tuesday.

There are currently 162 flood warnings in place across the whole of the UK, including 51 in Scotland.

Motorists have also been urged to take care on the roads as blizzard conditions are expected on higher routes.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: “Even through the early hours of Monday and throughout the day, it’s going to be windy. We have further warnings, there will be further showers and snow.

“While Storm Ciara is clearing away, that doesn’t mean we’re entering a quieter period of weather. It’s going to stay very unsettled.”

Network Rail said: “Storm Ciara brought high winds across the country yesterday, with significant disruption across most routes.

“Network Rail are now assessing the repairs needed to the railway following damage caused by the storm. Train operating companies are also making plans to check that lines will be safe to run passenger trains this morning.”

The unsettled weather conditions are expected to continue into Tuesday and Wednesday, with blustery showers of rain, hail, sleet and snow to affect northern, western and some southern areas.

Commuters faced severe disruptions on Sunday due to fallen trees, damaged electric lines, trampolines blown into overhead wires and flooding.

Storm Ciara was dubbed “storm of the century” by Met Office forecasters, bringing with her top wind speeds of 97mph in the Isle of Wight and 177mm of rain within 24 hours in Cumbria.

Hundreds of thousands of people suffered power cuts during the peak of the storm on Sunday as heavy rains and winds lashed the country.