Schools shut, flights grounded and WFH for commuters as Storm Ciarán hits the South

BRITAIN WAS being battered by 100mph Storm Ciarán today - with commuters warned to work from home, schools shut and flights cancelled

- Anthony France

Flooding was expected in 54 areas, mostly on the south coast, and hundreds of schools across the south were closed because of the risk to pupils.

More than 1,500 homes were without power in Surrey and Sussex. A major incident was declared in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight because of the expected pressure on local services, while in Jersey people were forced to take refuge in a hotel after winds in excess of 100mph damaged property.

Southern Rail urged commuters to work from home if possible and avoid non-essential journeys due to a strong risk of falling trees and debris blowing on to the tracks. Southeastern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express also warned of delays and cancellations.