Weather warnings in place as trains cancelled and major incident declared in Scotland

Ferry services in southern England were disrupted as Storm Gerrit lashed the UK with strong winds.

Red Funnel, which provides services between Southampton and Cowes on the Isle of Wight, cancelled its Red Jet passenger services due to the extreme conditions.

Hovercraft services between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight were also suspended.

Thirteen flood warnings are in place across England as Storm Gerrit brings heavy rain and strong winds.

The warnings  mean flooding is “likely” and cover several areas across the country, including in Keswick campsite.

Some 151 less serious flood alerts, meaning flooding is “possible” are also in force.

Police Scotland has urged drivers stuck on the A9 due to the effects of Storm Gerrit to remain in their vehicles.

Heavy snow led to cars becoming stranded on parts of the road near Drumochter in the Highlands before snowploughs were able to start clearing a way through.

Drivers have been asked to stay in their vehicles, keep warm and tune in to local radio or social media where further updates will be provided as soon as possible.

Police Scotland has urged drivers stuck on the A9 due to the effects of Storm Gerrit to remain in their vehicles.

Heavy snow led to cars becoming stranded on parts of the road near Drumochter in the Highlands before snowploughs were able to start clearing a way through.

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A group of people were seen taking photographs of huge waves whipped up by high winds – after lifeboat rescuers warned walkers not to risk their lives by going near the sea in stormy weather.

Several beach-goers in Brighton, East Sussex, were pictured dicing with danger behind large red signs warning people to keep away and not get any closer to the shore than the signs.

A train driver escaped uninjured and passengers were led to safety when a tree smashed through the cab of ScotRail train at Broughty Ferry, near Dundee.

The line is one of several that remain closed because of debris or flooding.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said: “Storm Gerrit has brought yellow weather warnings for high winds, rain, and snow across most of Scotland, which does bring the risk of trees and other objects falling on the railway infrastructure.

“We’re sorry to customers who have experienced disruption to their journey as a result of this incident and we are pleased to confirm the driver and all passengers are safe and well.

“We’d encourage customers who plan to travel today and tomorrow to check their journey before setting off, and keep an eye on our website, mobile app, or social media channels for live updates.”

The M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire is closed in both directions due to strong winds, National Highways said.

Drivers on the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge, advised as an alternative route, are facing 90-minute delays after a crash.

A rainfall gauge at the Great Langdale Valley in the Lake District has seen the highest accumulation in the country so far, with 80mm – nearly half the usual 178mm monthly rainfall for December, the Met Office said.

The fastest recorded wind gusts so far are 86mph at Inverbervie on the north-east coast of Scotland, 84mph at Fair Isle and 83mph at Capel Curig, north Wales, the forecaster said.

About 2-3cm of snow has fallen in Aviemore in the Cairngorms.