Tens of thousands of people are without power after severe gales of more than 80mph battered Britain, bringing fresh travel disruption on the roads and toppling trees onto railway lines.

Drivers were warned to only travel if necessary, with delays on roads and trains. In Scotland, police urged motorists to drive with "extreme caution" amid wintry conditions.

Emergency services in several areas reported fallen trees and National Rail reported widespread weather-related delays.

Forecasters issued yellow "be aware" wind warnings as gusts reached 83mph in Tibenham Airfield, near Norwich, and 78mph in Aberdaron, Wales.

UK Power Networks said around 47,000 homes and businesses were without power as of Thursday afternoon.