Trains and ferries were cancelled and events postponed amid 'do not travel' warnings as Storm Amy powered into Britain today with torrential rain and 100mph winds.
Amber and yellow warnings have been extended to cover all of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, running from 11am today until 9am on Sunday.
Schools across Counties Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone and Fermanagh were ordered by officials in Northern Ireland to close at noon for the safety of pupils and staff.
Amy has undergone rapid cyclogenesis - also known as a 'weather bomb' - defined as when the central pressure of a low pressure system falls 24 millibars in 24 hours.
Avanti West Coast issued a 'do not travel' alert for rail passengers heading north of Preston after 5pm today and all day tomorrow; while TransPennine Express issued similar warnings for routes north of Preston from 12pm and Newcastle from 4pm.
