Storm Ali: Woman dies as caravan is blown off cliff

A woman has died after a caravan was blown off a cliff in the Republic of Ireland, as parts of the British Isles have been battered by Storm Ali.

The woman in her 50s died after the caravan was swept away in Claddaghduff, County Galway, at about 07:45 BST.

More than 80,000 homes are without power in Ireland and Northern Ireland and strong gusts are disrupting travel.

An amber warning, meaning “be prepared”, is in place in Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England.

The weather warning – which means lives could be put at risk – applies until 17:00 BST.

It means damage to buildings, disruption to road, rail, air and ferry services and power cuts should be expected.

The strongest winds could be felt in central and southern Scotland and the north-east of England later.

BBC Weather presenter Matt Taylor said the storm could have a greater impact because of the time of year it has hit the UK.

He said most trees were still in full leaf and were “acting like sails”, making it more likely they could be pulled over and cause travel problems.