12 December 2011 Last
updated at 16:39 ET
Severe weather warnings issued for UK
The heavy weather follows a storm that caused damage in parts of
Scotland last week
Weather warnings are in place as strong winds, heavy rain and snow
move across the UK.
BBC - Severe gale-force winds have already closed part of the
Tamar Bridge, a main route between Devon and Cornwall.
The Met Office has issued yellow "be aware" warnings for wind and
rain for all regions except Eastern England and Orkney and
Shetland.
It said this week will mark one of the stormiest periods of
weather for several years.
On Monday into Tuesday, heavy showers may fall as snow on hills
above 100m in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the East Midlands, it
said.
There may also be slushy accumulations of snow at lower levels and
some roads will become icy, it says.
Winds are already gusting in excess of 60mph in south-west England
and the south coast. They will move over the country and pick up
strength again in the north.
Scotland's transport minister Keith Brown has warned that snow and
high winds could lead to rush-hour disruption for drivers on
Tuesday.
Environment Agency Wales (EAW) has advised people to remain alert
for localised flooding, with heavy rain and strong winds forecast.
EAW said parts of south Wales were expected to be worst affected
BBC Wales weather presenter Behnaz Akhgar says gusts of up to
70mph (112km/h) are possible on exposed coastlines and high
ground.
The Environment Agency has issued flood alerts on a number of
rivers in south-west England.
In Devon and Cornwall, the Met Office has warned that gusts could
reach 70mph, with the potential to cause damage. Heavy rain is
also expected, with conditions unlikely to improve until the early
hours of Tuesday.
The severe weather has resulted in the cancellation of Brittany
Ferries services to and from France.
The Met Office says early indications suggest there is a potential
for another storm system to affect parts of England and Wales
later on Thursday and into Friday.