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Parts of the UK have experienced strong gusts of winds of up to 100mph overnight, leading to loss of power and causing travel chaos.

A “danger to life” warning was also issued by the Met Office, as the strong winds caused debris and flooding.

Eleanor will be the fifth UK storm to be named this winter.

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for large parts of the country for Tuesday and Wednesday.

It said in a statement: “A spell of strong winds is expected later Tuesday, overnight into Wednesday morning.”

The Environmental Agency issued 56 flood warnings on Tuesday that encompassed the entire country.

(Image: GETTY - STOCK / WXCHARTS)

The storm started to hit the UK at about 6pm GMT, Tuesday, January 2, but the danger is not over yet.

The yellow warning issued by the Met Office remains active and is expected to last until 6pm on Wednesday.

Met Office deputy forecaster, Dan Harris, warned that next weekend could see the return of cold and frosty conditions, particularly in the north.

The Met Office stated that gusts of 100mph winds were measured at Great Dun Fell in Cumbria in the early hours of the morning.

(Image: MET OFFICE)

The first yellow warning issued by the Met Office has been adjusted to encompass the whole of England, Wales, most of Northern Ireland and the Scotish border.

Destructive winds and travel chaos will be likely, and some west coast areas can expect more vigorous winds.

The Met Office warned that some western coastal communities could experience high tides, large waves and spray.

The dangerous conditions could lead to injuries and a danger of life, as materials and objects go flying.

Meteorologist Becky Mitchell warned of the risk of more “violent storm-force gusts” is less likely, but that we could still experience wind speeds of between 70mph and 80mph.

She said: “Storm Eleanor has swept through and the eye is now crossing the North Sea, although there will continue to be strong gusts through the day.”

The Met Office stated: “There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown on to sea fronts, roads and coastal properties.”

The Environmental Agency’s duty manager, Carol Halt, said: “We urge people to stay safe on the coast - take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger trying to take 'storm selfies’.”

“If you're travelling, please check your route before setting off and don't drive through flood water.”

The Met Office warning continued: “Public transport may be disrupted or canceled and some bridges are likely to be closed. Power cuts and disruption to other services (mobile phones for example) may also occur, while injuries from flying debris are possible."

(Image: PA)

Met Office forecaster, Paul Gundersen, said: "The unsettle theme continues throughout this week, with further spells of rain moving across the UK from the west as many return to work on Tuesday and there will again be some snow over the high ground in Scotland.”

“The wind will pick up again later on Tuesday and Wednesday as developing Storm Eleanor heads towards the UK and Ireland.”

The dangerous winds have currently wreaked havoc and caused damage on the coast.

Parts of Galway city were hit by flooding.

55,000 properties in Ireland experienced blackouts.

In Northern Ireland, 3,000 homes remained without power at 7am.

Julia Carson, from Northern Ireland Electricity said: “The damage caused by Storm Eleanor includes power lines brought down by falling trees and poles broken by the high winds.”

Storm Eleanor comes back to back with Storm Dylan, which made for an unsettled period between Christmas and New Year.