Storm Kathleen, the 11th named storm of the 2023-24 season, is battering the UK and Ireland with fierce 70mph gales, leading to significant travel disruptions including the cancellation of around 140 flights and affecting rail and ferry services.

Authorities have issued multiple warnings, with the Met Office placing a yellow wind warning for northern Scotland and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency issuing flood alerts and warnings.

Power outages have impacted approximately 34,000 homes, farms, and businesses in Ireland, with ESB Networks deploying crews to address the outages.

Despite the storm, record high temperatures for the year were reached in the UK, with Suffolk hitting 20.9C, showcasing the unusual mix of weather conditions.

Public safety concerns are heightened around coastal and flood-prone areas, with advisories to avoid unnecessary travel and to steer clear of flood waters.