In pictures: Storm batters the UK during Christmas getaway

Storm waves break on the sea wall behind buildings on the Cobb in Lyme Regis

Strong gales and torrential rain have battered the UK, disrupting the Christmas getaway for road, rail, air and sea passengers. Storm waves broke on the sea wall in Lyme Regis.

Pedestrians walk in wet and windy weather on Oxford Street in central London

The wet and windy weather hit busy High Streets as Christmas shopping was in full swing, such as in Oxford Street in central London.

Rising water levels from the River Ouse bring floodwater into riverside roads in York City centre as heavy rain and gales sweep across many parts of the UK.

Rising water levels from the River Ouse brought floodwater into riverside roads in York city centre.

Skiers at the Midlothian Snowsports Centre on the outskirts of Edinburgh

The conditions were no deterrent for skiers at the Midlothian Snowsports Centre on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Crossing the channel on the last ferry from Poole to Cherbourg

Sam Heaton tweeted: "#UKStorm crossing the channel on the last ferry from Poole to Cherbourg and it's rough!"

Eve Grayson, a reindeer herder of the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, feeds the deer on December 23, 2013 in Aviemore, Scotland

Reindeer were being fed in Aviemore in the Highlands. Heavy snowfall is predicted for parts of Scotland on Christmas Eve.

Plane at Heathrow Airport

Airports advised passengers to check with their airlines before travelling and to leave more time to get to the airport.

Part of a roof on the road in Hatherleigh, Devon

Thousands of homes, especially in the south and west of England, were left without power. Part of a roof in Hatherleigh, Devon, crashed down on the road.

Plymouth seafront

Plymouth seafront experienced 70mph winds. Elsewhere, gusts of 87mph were recorded at Capel Curig in Conwy, north Wales.

Cars queue at the Dartford Crossing in Kent

The Highways Agency advised drivers of vehicles vulnerable to high winds to avoid certain roads. Vehicles were backing up at the Dartford Crossing in Kent.

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