The severe winter storm is sweeping over the North Sea as well, where its hurricane gusts and wild seas have menaced oil rigs on Tuesday. High winds overspread southwestern Norway, western Denmark, Netherlands and northwestern Germany, packing top winds of 100mph as it rips through the region.

The highest reported wind gusts as of Tuesday were on Ireland's northern tip, where Malin Head, Donegal, clocked in at 105 mph, the UK Met Office said. Winds also topped 100 mph in Edinburgh, whereas Drumalbin and Salsburgh each registered 97-mph gusts. Data accessed by AccuWeather.com showed winds to at least 90 mph at Glasgow's Paisley airport. Gogarbank, near Edinburgh, reached 80 mph.

Hurricane gusts also hit the southern UK, highest being 84 mph measured at Portland Bill, in the southwest of England. Aberdaron, Wales, was raked by gusts to 93 mph.

The Met Office has already issued a severe weather warning. The warning, classed as an amber alert, says: “The public should be aware of the risk of disruption to transport and of the possibility of damage to trees and structures. Drive with lights on and allow additional journey time – be aware of the potential for hazards such as fallen trees, branches and other debris particularly on minor roads. Motorists and householders are advised to brace themselves for more stormy conditions – road users are advised to exercise “extreme caution” over the coming hours as storm force winds and heavy rain continue to make driving conditions difficult.”

The Met Office forecast for the rest of the day suggests that the high winds should start to ease by early afternoon meaning that, hopefully, commuters will have a less disruptive journey home from work and school.

The UK sees a storm of this strength around once per year.