Storm Ciara news: Man killed by falling tree and more than 500 homes flooded amid heavy rains
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More than 20,000 homes have spent the night without power as the UK continues to reel from Storm Ciara.
UK Power Networks reported more than 18,500 properties across the east and southeast of England were still without power as of 5am Monday while Western Power Distribution said more than 2,800 homes were in the dark.
Parts of the UK continue to brace for blizzards and up to 20cm of snow in the wake of the storm, with travel disruption set to continue.
Some areas saw a month and a half’s rainfall in just 24 hours and gusts of more than 90mph swept across the country on Sunday. Meanwhile, 178 flood warnings in place across the country.
Emergency vets issues cold weather advice for pets
(iStock)
An emergency vets has issued a cold weather warning to pet owners as disruption from Storm Ciara continues.
Vets Now expects to see a rise in cold weather-related cases at its hospitals and clinics across the country, including frostbite on paws, breathing difficulties in dogs with short noses, and pets injuring themselves on icy and slippery surfaces.
Laura Playforth, head of veterinary standards at Vets Now, has compiled a list of tips on how to keep your pet safe:
1. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet
Keep your pets inside, especially overnight, when temperatures plummet, otherwise they run the risk of getting frostbite or hypothermia.
2. Go on shorter, more frequent walks
It’s worth considering taking your dog on shorter, more frequent walks to protect them from weather-associated health risks.
3. Wash and dry your pet’s feet following walks
Salt and chemicals used to grit roads and pavements can be an irritant to your pet’s pads, especially if they have any small cracks or redness between the toes, so always wipe their paws with a cloth and warm water when you get home.
4. Don’t let your pet fall victim to antifreeze
Remove ice from vehicles using an old-fashioned scraper, keep containers of antifreeze locked away and clean up any spills quickly, as even small amounts can be deadly.
5. Keep a close eye on your car
Cats who are allowed outside during cold spells may try to cosy up on a warm vehicle engine. Check underneath your car and bang on the bonnet before starting the engine to make sure you don’t have a feline hitchhiker.
6. Swot up on your pet’s breed
Just like humans, some pets, such as husky dogs and Persian cats, are more tolerant to cold weather than others. Make sure you do your homework on your breed.
7. Consider a jumper or coat
It’s a myth that dogs and cats are more resistant than people to cold just because they have fur. Consider putting a dry sweater on your pet before going outside and always take spares in case they get wet.
8. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and is microchipped
9. Beware of heat stroke
Short-nosed dogs, in particular, are at risk of suffering heat stroke if they exercise vigorously in freezing temperatures and then settle in a warm house.
10. Avoid icy lakes and ponds
11. Feed your pets well
12. Watch out for icy steps, roads and pavements
13. Make sure your pet has access to fresh water
14. Beware of hazards covered in snow
15. Be prepared for cold weather
Motorist killed by tree
A motorist has been killed after a falling tree smashed into his Mercedes near Winchester, in Hampshire.
The 58-year-old man, from the village of Micheldever, was killed on the A33 on Sunday, Hampshire Police have said.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Sinkhole swallows car
A motorist had a lucky escape after their car fell into a large sinkhole on a residential road in Essex.
Firefighters were called to reports that a sewer had partially collapsed after the hole appeared in Hatch Road, Brentwood, in the early hours of this morning.
(PA)
Hundreds of flights cancelled and ferries disrupted
The DFDS Calais Seaways (Gareth Fuller/PA)
Airlines operating to and from UK airports continue to be affected by the weather conditions, with more than 100 flights cancelled.
British Airways and easyJet appeared to be the worst affected, although several other airlines were also hit.
By 11am, some 33 of Heathrow's Monday departures were cancelled - equivalent to 5 per cent of flights - and a further 82 were delayed by at least 15 minutes.
British Airways said "safety is at the heart of everything we do" and stressed the airline is "carefully assessing every flight".
It added: "We are sorry for the disruption to your travel plans and are doing all we can to get you to your destination as quickly as we can."
Passengers due to travel on domestic and European flights on Monday were able to re-book to an alternative date.
P&O Ferries said it was forced to cancel several sailings between Dover and Calais due to the knock-on effect of the weekend's weather.
Another ferry firm, DFDS, said its services on the route were disrupted due to the Channel's weather conditions.
Royal Parks reopen
A number of London's Royal Parks have reopened today after debris caused by Storm Ciara was cleared and safety checks completed.
Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James' Park, Green Park, Victoria Tower Gardens, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park and Bushy Park have all reopened.
M11 closed amid fears aircraft hangar roof could blow off
The M11 is closed in both directions amid fears the roof of an aircraft hangar at Duxford Imperial War Museum could be blown into the road.
The museum, which remains closed today, wrote in an update on Twitter: "Due to extreme weather caused by Storm Ciara in Cambridgeshire in the last 24 hours, we are assessing the damage caused to the air hangars at IWM Duxford and working with engineers to ensure the buildings remain structurally sound when it is safe to do so.
"We are monitoring the situation closely and working with the emergency services and local authorities to take the necessary precautions.
"IWM Duxford will remain closed today (Monday 10th February) and will re-open once deemed safe to do."
'Frequent lightning strikes' could cause power cuts
Wintry conditions on the roads hit rush hour drivers this morning, while train and ferry services have also been affected.
Authorities have warned there may be "significant disruption" to transport on Monday while "frequent lightning strikes" may interrupt power supplies.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings of snow and wind across most of Scotland on Monday and Tuesday, with gusts of up to 60mph possible.
Forecasters said strong winds could lead to blizzard conditions while there may be up to 20cm of snow by Tuesday evening over the highest routes.
Lifeguard hut destroyed
A lifeguard station has been smashed up by Storm Ciara.
The hut, at Bude Sea Pool, in Bude, Cornwall, can be seen lying on its side in pictures shared by Avril Sainsbury on Twitter.
Truck overturns in high winds
Rescue workers on the A2 motorway in Marly, northern France, after after a truck was tipped over by strong winds brought by storm Ciara.
(Pictures by Francois Lo Presti/AFP)
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