UK prepares for more hurricane force winds and snow to strike

The second of two storms is expected to strike Britain today and it will bring the first widespread snowfall of 2015, says the Met Office. It is all part of a second burst of extreme weather sweeping in across the Atlantic. The snow and storms stem from an unusually powerful

The storm is the second burst of an extreme weather system sweeping in from the Atlantic.

The system was caused by an unusually powerful jet stream, created by cold air from plumetting temperatures in North America colliding with warmer air to the south.

During Friday's hurricane-force winds of 113mph were recorded at Stornoway, Scotland – the strongest there since records began.

The UK Met Office says that today's winds might exceed 100mph in Shetland. It has issued an Amber warning for Shetland, warning of disruption to transport and power supplies, as well as possible damage to buildings. It says large waves may lead to dangerous conditions along some coasts, but that the strongest winds should ease around midday.

It has issued an Amber warning for the region, warning of disruption to transport and power supplies, as well as possible damage to buildings. It says large waves may lead to dangerous conditions along some coasts, but that the strongest winds should ease around midday.

The warning also states large waves may lead to dangerous conditions along some coasts, but that the strongest winds should ease around midday.

Meanwhile, Yellow "be prepared" weather alerts are in place for the rest of Scotland, the North West, North East and East Midlands of England, Yorkshire and Humber, and Northern Ireland.

The Met Office is warning of potential major disruption to travel in affected areas.

Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill told Sky News: "A band of squally rain will move southeastwards and that's going to bring brighter but much colder conditions behind it.

"Some showers are likely to be heavy and may well fall as sleet or snow, particularly in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England and some of the showers could bring significant accumulations, particularly over higher ground. We could widely see 2cm to 4cm of snow, and perhaps 8cm on the highest ground."

Following Friday's gales, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution says it is still working to restore electricity to more than 2,000 customers. So far it has reconnected around 60,000. However, it says staff are "facing a monumental task'' in repairing damaged lines in remote areas.

Scottish Power says it is working to connect 800 remaining customers, after restoring power to around 20,000.