The Association of British Insurers says anyone facing major damage or flooding should "only return to your home or business when it is safe to do so."

It reminds people to keep any receipts for emergency repairs, as this will form part of a claim.

It says: "If your home is uninhabitable while repairs are being carried out, your insurer will arrange for and pay the cost of any alternative temporary accommodation you may need.

"Commercial polices will cover damage to premises and the stock. Business interruption cover (which may be included or purchased separately) will cover additional trading costs, such as hiring temporary alternative trading premises if necessary."The association adds that "comprehensive motor insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing vehicles damaged by storms."

The amber warning for wind in place across much of England and Wales, external until 21:00 GMT means that wind-blown debris and large waves could pose a danger to life.

Yellow weather warnings cover the whole of the UK until midnight on Sunday.

Wales has been hit by some of the strongest winds so far, with a 93mph gust recorded in Aberdaron, north-west Wales, followed by 86mph in Capel Curig in Snowdonia.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said the size of the amber warning across the UK was very unusual, and showed how widespread the impact of Storm Ciara is proving to be.

"It's not just coastal parts which are likely to see gusts of 70-80mph, but even inland areas, which don't usually see those strengths of wind," he said.

He added that those winds, combined with heavy rain, would cause significant problems around the UK. Already more than 100mm of rain has fallen in some parts of northern England and north Wales.

Ryan McGee captured the moment the front of this guest house in the Scottish Borders collapsed after it took a battering from the River Teviot.

All parts of the UK are being hit to some degree by the storm, be it strong winds or heavy rain.

Thousands of people are having to cope without electricity and sporting fixtures have also been affected.

Here are some images showing how difficult the conditions are for some people.

For more pictures click here.

Image source, Stacey Witherow

Image source, AFP

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, AFP

Storm Ciara has brought wind speeds in excess of 80mph to the country, while heavy rain has led to multiple flood warnings being issued.

In Perth, three people were injured after part of a pub roof collapsed after being hit by a chimney breast.

Police said a cordon had been placed around the area until the damage could be assessed by experts.

In a Facebook post, staff at The Venue Bar said: "Thankfully nobody has been seriously harmed but the business will be closed until we find out the extent of the damage caused to our building."

Image source, PA Wire

P&O's North Sea ferry, the Pride of Hull, has just docked in Hull from Rotterdam after an eight-hour delay.

The ferry had to abandon an earlier attempt to dock and return to the North Sea to wait for conditions to improve.

All P&O services between Dover and Calais remain suspended.

The Met Office said a yellow weather warning for wind will remain in place until just before midnight.

The department for infrastructure said a small number of roads were closed due to localised flooding.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey announced she had activated an emergency funding scheme for local councils.

The River Calder burst its banks in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire, flooding the streets and submerging cars.

Image source, AFP

Image source, AFP

The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Police have been dealing with some unexpected obstacles on the road...

The BBC's Phil Mackie had his shopping interrupted after lights went out in a supermarket in Worcester.

The River Nidd in Yorkshire is expected to break flood defences at Pateley Bridge and the Environment Agency has issued a red "danger to life", external warning.

Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith, the MP for the area, is monitoring the situation.

In Llanrwst, a woman had to be rescued after she found her campervan in 4ft (1.2m) of water at about 05:35 GMT on Sunday, according to North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

"The crew said the water was around waist height," said Bob Nellist, group manager for the fire service.

He added that the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is experiencing a high number of calls across the area.

The strong winds and heavy rain throughout Wales are affecting travel by road, rail, sea and air.

An amber warning is in place with gales of 93mph (150km/h) in Aberdaron in Gwynedd, the highest recorded in Britain on Sunday.

Transport for Wales said numerous services were not running or had been altered - it advised passengers to check before travelling.

Ferries between Rosslare and Pembroke have been called off.

Rugby fans are facing difficulties returning home after Saturday's Six Nations clash between Wales and Ireland.

Flights from Dublin have been grounded, while ferries are cancelled.

"We are now waiting for accommodation somewhere in Dublin overnight, and the flights have been rearranged for tomorrow," says Wales fan Hywel Rees.

However, Wales Online rugby correspondent Simon Thomas is still hopeful of getting home today...

BBC TV and radio presenter Jason Mohammad is among the many rail passengers facing delays to get home.

A passenger on a flight from Florida said the plane he was on needed four attempts to land at Gatwick Airport.

Keith McDowall, 90, from Islington in London, told the PA news agency: "I've never had anything quite like it. I admit I was scared.

"It (the plane) was veering around and it kept shaking."