Britons are today facing commuter hell with rail services across the country cancelled after Storm Isha's 100mph gales and heavy downpours barrelled down on the nation overnight.
Thousands of people have been left without power as Isha brought disruption to the electricity and transport networks across the UK - and for many this may not return until Tuesday afternoon.
Fallen trees have affected transport with Traffic Scotland reporting stretches of the M9 and M74 were among roads closed throughout the night, while the A1 southbound was closed at Thorntonloch due to an overturned lorry.
And last night the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation said there was a risk of the huge storms alongside hail of up to 20mm in diameter across the entirety of Ireland and much of Scotland.
This has since been changed overnight to warnings of 'severe thunderstorms' across England and Wales which could cause 'one or more tornadoes and / or waterspouts' alongside 80mph wind gusts.
In Appleby haunting sirens wailed across the Cumbria town as flood waters surged through the streets.
High winds forced the closure of the Tay Road Bridge, M48 Severn Bridge and the A66 in Durham and Cumbria between the A1(M) and the M6, while the Humber Bridge, A19 Tees Flyover and A628 Woodhead Pass in Derbyshire were among stretches closed to high-sided vehicles.
In Scotland after a 'difficult night' Network Rail has cancelled all passenger and freight trains across the country until they can inspect rail routes and repair the damage of the storm. It is expected to restart at around noon.
Engineers equipped with chainsaws will have to clear the fallen trees and debris in at least 20 locations across the lines before the lines can get going again.
This included the remains of a garden shed, which had been blown onto the line at Bellgrove station in Glasgow, and a small fire had broken out after a tree fell on overhead wires in Gartcosh, Cumbernauld.
Network Rail Scotland added to their customers: 'Given the number of issues dealt with last night, and damage to infrastructure we already know of, such as fallen trees, and overhead wire damage in at least 20 separate locations, reopening Scotland's Railway is going to be a challenge. We'll keep you updated on progress.'
LNER has said that high winds between Doncaster and Berwick Upon Tweed mean all trains will run at reduced speeds today. They added that the Scottish railway is closed and there will be no trains north of Dunbar is closed until midday.
Network Rail imposed 50mph speed restrictions across most routes to keep passengers and trains safe from falling trees and debris blown onto tracks, with disruption expected into this morning.
An entire greenhouse was picked up by Storm Isha and thrown onto railway lines at Westgate-on-Sea, near Ramsgate in Kent, while there were also reports of a trampoline blocking the line at Rainham.
A spokesman said: 'The railway has recovered quickly this morning following Storm Isha with trees and debris cleared across routes in England and Wales, and route proving trains reporting lines clear.
'Passenger and freight services have restarted and a good service is expected in most areas. Passengers should still check before they head out for the latest travel news on trains operators' websites.
'The exception is Scotland where we do not expect to be able to restart services until around midday with dozens of lines shut due to fallen trees and flooding.
'Hundreds of engineers are already out, armed with chainsaws and cherry pickers to remove and repair. Once done, route proving trains will be dispatched before passenger services can restart.
留言