The Met Office has issued a severe gale warning for most of the country, and says disruption to transport and power supplies is possible.

In Brockenhurst, Hampshire, an Arriva Cross Country 8.45am train from Bournemouth to Manchester was withdrawn from service after it collided with a tree on the line. There were no casualties reported.

And an Amber Alert is in place in the northwest for lorry drivers, who are urged to closely monitor conditions, listen out for updates on traffic and travel radio bulletins and to plan their journeys before setting off.

On the M6, the Thelwall Viaduct between junctions 20 and 21 is closed after three lorries overturned. Two were southbound HGVs and one was a northbound vehicle. The Runcorn-Widnes Silver Jubilee Bridge is also closed to high-sided vehicles.

Highways Agency director of traffic operations Derek Turner said: "I strongly advise road users to check the latest information on weather and road conditions before starting their journeys. Drivers should ensure that their vehicles are topped up with fuel, in case of delays."

According to the Environment Agency, there is one severe flood warning in place, 15 flood warnings and 31 less urgent flood watches.

The new storm, which is expected to die down throughout the day, is likely to cause further damage to power and transport links and leave insurers facing a second round of claims for damage to property.

Parts of the south coast are continuing to assess the damage done when winds of up to 95mph roared in from the Atlantic early on Monday. The worst affected areas were the West Country and South Wales.

Cheltenham Racecourse opened its gates to tens of thousands of racing fans on Tuesday despite fears the bad weather would cause this year's Gold Cup festival to fall at the first hurdle."

Bad news wouldn't you say?