Six crew members from a stricken fishing vessel have been rescued amid 20ft waves while rail and road links across Britain have been hit by storm-force winds.

Winds reached 60 miles per hour for a second day across coasts as Storm Gareth continued to move across the UK on Wednesday.

The fishermen were airlifted from a 79ft French fishing boat off Land’s End after it suffered engine failure. Another fishing vessel went to help and a lifeboat was launched after the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said it was alerted at approximately 10pm on Tuesday night.

“Despite atrocious weather, Sennen Cove lifeboat launched but due to 5-6 metre [16-20ft] waves on scene and storm-force winds, it was impossible for either the fishing vessel or the lifeboat to establish a tow with La Fanette,” the MCA said.

Two yellow warnings have been issued by the Met Office for high winds covering Northern Ireland, Wales, most of England and the west coast of Scotland.

Commuters were warned on Wednesday morning that transport links could be affected as the squally weather blows through – while racing at the Cheltenham festival was briefly in doubt before authorities gave the green light.

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People using trains in Wales, Scotland, the north of England and East Anglia were warned that services could be disrupted by high winds with speed restrictions in place across a wide area.

Trains between Durham and Newcastle were halted on Wednesday morning after overhead electric wires were damaged, while some Virgin Trains services between Manchester and London and some trains between Glasgow Central and Preston were cancelled.

There were also reports of trees blocking roads and some exposed routes in the north-east of England being closed to high-sided vehicles.

Meanwhile, the residents of Llandudno in north Wales had unexpected visitors as a result of the storm when a 122-strong herd of Kashmir goats were seen wandering into the town centre by local residents, having been driven from their home of Great Orme Park by the bad weather.

The animals were spotted eating flowers in people’s gardens, as well as walking out in front of traffic. A spokesperson for Conwy council said there was nothing it could do to keep the goats away from the town: “Goats going into town is nothing unusual, particularly at this time of year. There is no way of stopping them. It is more likely in foul weather as they look for lower ground and shelter.”

The goats originally came to Llandudno as a gift to Lord Mostyn from Queen Victoria in the late 19th century and have since been housed on the hillsides of the Great Orme summit.

Winds were forecast to fade later on Wednesday while Thursday was forecast to be less windy but with further showers, some wintry. Another weather front of rain and winds was forecast to sweep across Britain on Friday.

Day two of the Cheltenham festival was expected to proceed as planned after the track passed a precautionary inspection. Officials had planned an 8am check and announced a contingency to postpone Wednesday’s card until Saturday, as a forecast for high winds threatened the card.

Course officials were able to give the go-ahead at about 6.10am as conditions were not expected to be as bad as first feared.

Met Éireann, the Irish meteorological service, also warned of “severe and damaging gusts” as the storm moved over the country.