High winds, heavy snow buffet Britain and Ireland, making air, road travel hazardous

The Associated Press
January 15, 2015 at 7:42PM
Waves crash against the sea defenses in Portrush, Northern Ireland, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015.
Waves crash against the sea defenses in Portrush, Northern Ireland, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. (Associated Press - Ap/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

LONDON — Britain and Ireland have been battered by 100 mph (160 kph) winds and heavy snow, stranding some motorists after a major road was closed.

The Environment Agency said Thursday that 149 flood alerts and 32 flood warnings had been issued in England and Wales, with more reported in Scotland.

Heavy weather and high seas also hit Northern Ireland.

Some of the most severe problems took place in Scotland where drivers on were stranded overnight on a highway by heavy snow.

Hundreds of homes were left without power.

In Dublin, airport officials said a number of incoming flights were diverted to other airports because of high winds. Travelers were advised to check their flight status before going to the airport.

Waves crash against the sea defences in Portrush, Northern Ireland, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. Thousands of homes across Ireland have been left without power after storm force winds battered the country overnight leaving thousands of homes without power. A storm swept in from the Atlantic late Wednesday night, bringing torrential rain and winds of up to 150km/h.
Waves crash against the sea defences in Portrush, Northern Ireland, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. (Associated Press - Ap/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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