UK weather: Snow warning issued as Storm Freya hits Britain

Fallen trees and power lines reported as winds of up to 80mph recorded

Storm Freya brought snow, sleet, heavy rain and winds of up to 80mph as it moved across the UK.

Fallen trees and power lines were reported in Cornwall, Devon and West Sussex and two major roads were closed in Wales because of gales and flooding.

Three men had to be rescued from the sea off Studland Bay, Dorset, after they got into difficulty in a dinghy.

They were left “cold and wet but uninjured” after they managed to clamber onto a yacht that was at anchor, according to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The Met Office issued two yellow severe weather warnings for winds and snow lasting from Sunday night into Monday morning.

Forecasters said Storm Freya could pose a “danger to life” as a result of flying debris such as tree branches and roof tiles, particularly on Sunday evening.

People living in coastal areas, including west Wales and northwest England, were also at risk from large waves.

Snow and icy patches could also cause travel disruption across the North West and North East of England, Yorkshire and southern Scotland, the Met Office added.

“Some areas at lower levels may see some sleet or wet snow at times, but settling of snow will tend to be restricted to areas above 200 to 300 metres,” it said. ”Some icy patches may also develop later in the night.”

The highest wind speed recorded on Sunday was 76mph in Mumbles, south Wales, while 73mph was measured in Capel Curig in the north of the country.

High winds caused the M4 to close in both directions between junctions 41 and 42, Traffic Wales said.

A gust of 55mph was measured in Chivenor, Devon, while 52mph was recorded on the Isle of Portland in Dorset.

Heavy rain also hit Scotland on Sunday, with 34mm falling in Kinlochewe in the northwest Highlands.

Storm Freya is due to move into the North Sea early on Monday, taking the worst of the weather with it.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “As Storm Freya moves into the North Sea on Monday so too will the strongest winds.

“The rest of the week will be largely unsettled with further spells of wet and windy weather, but some fair weather and sunshine in places too.”

Additional reporting by Press Association