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A temporary speed limit was imposed on rail lines in parts of the country. Many services into London from the south and west were delayed and some cancelled.

There were long delays on the M25 round London, Britain's busiest road, as flooding forced lane closures. Many other roads were affected by flooding and fallen trees, particularly in Cornwall and Devon. Bridges were closed to high-sided vehicles, and inshore car ferry services cancelled.

Motorists were warned that stormy weather coupled with the continuing strike by SeaFrance workers was likely to lead to the reintroduction of Operation Stack later today, forcing freight lorries to queue on the M20 due to problems with cross-Channel sea operations.

Meanwhile the North East of England and parts of Scotland faced heavy snowfalls, which, coupled with driving winds, caused treacherous driving conditions on the A66 between Co Durham and Cumbria.

Lorries sheltered at the side of the Trans-Pennine route to avoid being toppled by the gusts. Snow ploughs were out to keep the road open, as blizzards swept across the road.

Travellers on public transport were advised to check ahead due to widespread delays and cancellations.

British Airways had to cancel a number of short-haul flights at Heathrow and Gatwick airports after air traffic control chiefs imposed flow controls on take offs and landings. They reported that planes crossing the Atlantic from America were arriving an hour early, hurtling along in the grip of the gales.

Both Dover and Calais ports closed for a spell to all shipping movements, although Dover reopened later. P&O Ferries has cancelled its sailing from Bilbao to Portsmouth tomorrow.

The highest recorded wind speed so far is 82mph in Berry Head in Brixham, south Devon. The winds hit London as the rush hour began, with Heathrow being buffeted by 42mph winds.

There were no reports of serious injuries, despite several reports of accidents. In Lytchett Matravers, near Poole in Dorset, a tree came down on a house, but no-one was hurt.

People were warned to stay away from coastal areas for fear they will be swept away amid gale-force winds, rain and hailstones.

"Due to inclement weather conditions, the Coastguard would advise all mariners and visitors to the coast to be very wary over the next few days. There may be some extremely difficult weather conditions out at sea and on exposed coastlines," said a spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Paul Leinster, Environment Agency director of operations, said that the "potent cocktail" of strong winds, wave action and high tides would last until Wednesday. "The gale force winds will combine with spring high tides to significantly elevate the water levels along the coast by up to 1.5 metres over normal levels, which is likely to cause some flooding."

If you believe you are at risk of flooding call the Environment Agency's Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for advice on what to do before, during and after a flood.

Wind, rain, traffic, delays: is this the most miserable Monday morning of the 21st century? Or, for that matter, ever? Use the box below to tell us your tales of woe. Go on - you'll feel better for it you know . . .

Wind, rain, traffic, delays: is this the most miserable Monday morning of the 21st century? Or, for that matter, ever? Use the box below to tell us your tales of woe. Go on - you'll feel better for it you know . . .

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