Storm Ashley has battered parts of the country with hurricane-force winds and torrential rain as thousands are left without power.The Environment Agency had 45 flood warnings, where flooding is expected,

Storm Ashley has caused travel disruption and flooding across the UK as high winds and rain battered parts of the country. Dozens of flights have been cancelled at Belfast City Airport and Dublin Airport due to 80mph winds, while several flights to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen have also been called off.

A series of flood alerts have been issued for Norfolk and Suffolk as forecasters warned of strong wind gusts. It came as disruption was expected in parts of the UK due to the impact of Storm Ashley. The Met Office said gusts could reach 51mph (82km/h) in Lowestoft,