As Storm Jocelyn bears down on the United Kingdom, wreaking havoc with powerful winds and relentless rain, the nation faces widespread travel disruptions and safety concerns. Flights have been cancelled, trains suspended, and major road closures implemented as the storm intensifies, with forecasters warning that the worst weather is yet to come.

The Met Office has issued amber and yellow weather warnings for wind covering a significant portion of the UK. Yellow warnings for rain are in effect for parts of western and southern Scotland, as well as north-west England. Additionally, a yellow warning for ice has been issued across northern and eastern parts of Scotland.

The severe weather conditions led to the suspension of train services in Scotland from 7pm, on Tuesday, accompanied by the closure of major roads, including the M48 Severn Bridge, A66 in County Durham and Cumbria, Humber Bridge, A19 Tees Flyover, and Woodhead Pass in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire. In Scotland, the A76 was closed in both directions between Skelmorlie and Largs due to water breaking over the sea wall.

Air travel has also been significantly impacted, with eight flights cancelled at Dublin Airport and four at Glasgow Airport on Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, thousands are experiencing power cuts, and flooding has affected parts of York.

The Coastguard is actively engaged in search and rescue operations, responding to reports of a person in the sea near Porthcawl, south Wales. Rescue teams, including helicopters and lifeboats, are working diligently to ensure the safety of those affected.

Meteorologists predict the storm’s fiercest winds of up to 80mph to strike between 3am and 7am on Wednesday, with potential extensions of Met Office warnings through rush hour.