Storm Freya: snow and 80mph winds cause travel chaos and power outages

Storm Freya has battered Britain with gales, heavy rain and snow, causing havoc across the country.

Wales, southwest England, the Midlands, northern England and southern Scotland have been worst hit by the powerful weather system, which has brought winds of up to 80mph.

The Met Office says “the storm has been driven by cold air from Canada, which is energising the jet stream and in turn intensifying low-pressure systems in the Atlantic”, reports the BBC.

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And forecasters believe there is more unsettled weather to come, with hail and hill snow possible in northern areas.

Meteorologists have warned of “dangerous conditions”, with “reports of flying debris and sailors stranded at sea”, adds The Guardian.

Snow and flooding have also caused chaos on roads. One motorist tweeted a video showing the hazardous driving conditions on the A595 in Cumbria on Sunday night.

The Met Office recorded 6cm (2.4in) of snow near the border between Cumbria and Northumberland.

Meanwhile, gusts of almost 80mph were recorded on Sunday in Mumbles, in southern Wales. The region is also experiencing flooding, closed roads and power outages in more than 1,200 homes.