Storm Ciarán: Major incident declared and schools closed in parts of UK

A major incident has been declared in parts of the UK today as Storm Ciarán sweeps across the country.

While it'll mainly affect southern areas such as the Channel Islands and south Wales, other parts of the UK will also see lots of rain and high winds.

The Met Office has issued amber warnings for wind in areas such as Plymouth, Cornwall and Portsmouth. It's the second highest level of alert that can be issued, and means that the weather will very likely have an impact on people, and that people should expect to change plans in order to stay safe.

Winds of more than 100mph (160km/h) have been recorded in the Channel Islands - police in Jersey have described the conditions as "dangerous" and are encouraging residents to stay indoors.

Yellow rain warnings are also in place in parts of the country.

Storm Ciarán follows hot on the heels of Storm Babet which affected Scotland

Are schools open?

More than 300 schools have closed in England and the Channel Islands today.

51 schools are already shut in Southampton and more have been urged to close in the rest of Hampshire, as a major incident has been declared there.

Waves have been crashing into Penzance promenade in Cornwall

Schools, roads, ferries and the airport have been closed on Jersey in preparation for Storm Ciarán's arrival - another place that has declared a major incident.

The conditions on the island are expected to be the worst in more than 36 years.

How else is Storm Ciarán affecting the UK?

Jersey police reported early Thursday morning that 39 people on the island have already had to leave their homes as a result of storm damage.

"So far tonight 29 adults, 6 children and 7 pets have been relocated in hotel accommodation due to property damage. Four people and a cat have relocated to another address," they said.

It added that emergency services were still "out and about dealing with incidents".

However, people there and in Guernsey have been asked not to stockpile food and other necessities, after empty supermarket shelves were seen on both islands.

People living in Kiln Park have had to evacuate due to flooding

In Wales, a caravan park full of people had to be evacuated as it was flooded.

Natural Resources Wales said Kiln Park caravan park in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, has already suffered flooding and the owners have asked guests to leave the site.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) issued a severe flood warning for the River Ritec at Tenby, as well as a number of flood alerts.

Dorset council has urged people to avoid the beach and coastal paths, and Bournemouth and Boscombe piers have been shut.