UK weather: Storm Ciara sweeps across UK as winds reach 93mph

Flights have been cancelled, rail services cut, parks closed and sporting events including a Premier League game cancelled as Storm Ciara sweeps across Britain.

A red severe flood warning has been been issued by the Environment Agency for the River Nidd in North Yorkshire, and a «major incident» declared by Lancashire Fire, with the Energy Networks Association reporting that 137,835 households have so far been hit by power cuts.

Motorists are being warned to take extra precaution on the roads due to the potential of difficult conditions caused by strong winds and heavy rain, as emergency services reported lucky escapes from flooding and fallen trees in regions.

A man was trapped for more than an hour before he was freed by firefighters after his car was crushed by a fallen tree in Flitwick, Bedfordshire.

«Remarkably» he suffered «very minor injuries,» tweeted Beds, Cambs & Herts Roads Policing Unit, adding: «Luckily the child seat was empty at the time.»

A man was trapped for more than an hour after the storm brought a tree down on his car in Flitwick, Bedfordshire. Luckily the child seat was empty. Pics: Beds, Cambs & Herts Roads Policing Unit

Firefighters in Blackpool rescued a driver whose car became stuck in floodwater.

Sky news