Hundreds of schools shut as Storm Ciarán batters southern England

Storm Ciarán has hit the UK and the Channel Islands, with forecasts warning there is a risk to life. 

Strong winds and heavy rain are barrelling across southern England, with gusts of more than 110mph in France and the Channel Islands. 

People in Jersey were evacuated to hostels overnight as wind gusts of up to 102mph damaged homes. 

Major incidents are declared in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Jersey, with hundreds of schools shut across southern England. 

Train lines have also ground to a halt, with some operators telling commuters to work from home. 

The Port of Dover has been closed and ferries to Calais in France have been cancelled, with gusts of 71mph reported and more rain predicted through the day.

Drivers in the south and west of the UK have been told to avoid coastal roads. 

Amber and yellow weather warnings – indicating potential risk to life and property – are in place covering parts of England, Scotland and Wales.