Storm Ciara disrupts flights, trains in Europe

Hundreds of flights and train services have been cancelled as Storm Ciara lashed parts of northwest Europe on Monday.

It has left hundreds of thousands of homes in northern France without power, as authorities announced an orange alert amid fears of coastal storm surges.

Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands also reported transport disruptions, with power outages in several parts. 

Weather forecasters have recorded wind speeds of 130kmph, with several homes destroyed and trees and electricity poles toppled. 

The UK, which bore the brunt of the storm on Sunday, remained on alert with forecasts for strong winds, heavy rain and snow.

Transport links across the country were disrupted, with 62,000 homes in the country still without electricity.