Britain braces for Storm Nelson 70mph wind chaos: Parks close early, rail firms ... trends now
Storm Nelson hit Britain today with 80mph winds, snow, heavy rain, hail and thunder as parks were closed, ferries cancelled and rail operators warned of delays.
The Met Office extended a 17-hour wind warning to cover the whole of England's south coast from Cornwall to Kent and up to Suffolk with strong gusts until midnight.
DFDS had to cancel some ferries from Dover to Calais and Dieppe to Newhaven, while Thameslink warned rail passengers that the winds could delay trains today.
The forecast had an impact on London, with Kew Gardens set to close early at 3pm due to the conditions, along with parts of Bushy Park and Kensington Gardens.
Dartmoor Zoo in Devon shut because of the winds, while National Trust sites such as Needles Old Battery and Mottisfont Gardens in Hampshire also had to close.
Some snow even fell in parts of Devon and Wales overnight - after accumulations also built up at the other end of the UK in the Scottish Highlands earlier this week.
Nearly 3in (8cm) was recorded this morning at Sennybridge in Powys, while 2in (5cm) settled on the ground overnight at North Wyke, just north of Dartmoor.
The Met Office said exposed coastal areas could face 70mph gusts. A top speed of 78mph was recorded at Cairngorm in Scotland and 59mph on the Isles of Scilly.
Devon council officials said teams worked 'all night to keep the roads passable but drive with extreme care, avoid high roads and stick to main roads where possible.'
Swimmers take a dip in the rough seas by the Cobb harbour at Lyme Regis in Dorset today
Strong waves crash into Dawlish in Devon as Storm Nelson strikes Britain this morning
People take photos of the waves as Storm Nelson batters the coast at Brighton this morning
A man photographs waves as they hit the sea wall at Seaton in Cornwall this morning
Big waves hit the coast at Nothe Gardens in Weymouth, Dorset, this morning
TODAY: Wet and windy conditions are expected to hit many parts of Britain throughout today
The UK overnight low this morning was -4.9C (23.2F) at Cairngorm, while Devon fell to -1.2C (29.8F) at Okehampton. Newcastle and Inverness dropped to 0C (32F).
Rose Mallard, 50, a smallholder from near Bideford in north Devon, said: 'To wake up to see the snow settled and a beautiful blue sky was a gift.'
Forecasters say an area of rain, sleet and hill snow is moving north across the UK as holidaymakers prepare to embark on Easter getaways.
Oli Claydon of the Met Office said: 'There is still a chance of some snow over the Scottish hills as the weather front moves northwards.
Jack Campbell pushes his son Harvey on a sledge in the snow on Dartmoor in Devon today
Snow hits Dartmoor in Devon today as motorists in the county are warned to take extra care
Snow hits Dartmoor in Devon today as people try to make the most of the conditions
Snowy conditions on Dartmoor in Devon today as drivers are told to take extra care
A dog walker in snowy conditions on Dartmoor in Devon this morning
A dog in snowy conditions near Bideford in Devon this morning
Snow hits Dartmoor in Devon today amid a warning for drivers across the county
Snowy conditions on Dartmoor in Devon today as holidaymakers prepare for Easter getaways
'The weather story now really turns into an area of low pressure that's going to bring some very strong wind and rain.'
Yellow weather warnings for rain and strong winds were issued across parts of Northern Ireland and the south of England respectively.
Forecasters say heavy downpours could impact travel in County Antrim and County Down, with up to 1.2in (30mm) falling in some areas today.
Easter weekend is set to be 'unsettled' but 'bright and breezy', with temperatures of up to 15C (59F) in West London and 14C (57F) in Manchester on Sunday, which is typical for the time of year.
Snow hits Dartmoor in Devon today as drivers are warned to take extra care
Wet and windy weather at high tide at Lyme Regis in Dorset this morning
Snow hits Dartmoor in Devon today as people try to make the most of the conditions
Snowy conditions near Bideford in Devon this morning
Big waves hit the coast at Nothe Gardens in Weymouth, Dorset, this morning
A man walks a dog on the beach in Seaton in Cornwall today amid the severe weather
Snowy conditions on Dartmoor in Devon today as motorists are urged to take care
Snow hits Dartmoor in Devon today as people try to make the most of the conditions
A man watches waves as they hit the sea wall at Seaton in Cornwall this morning
The weather system has been named Storm Nelson by Spanish meteorologists in what could be seen as an ironic gesture about Britain's victorious vice admiral as it heads for our shores.
It is the UK's first named storm since January but the 11th of the current season, which began in September.
Today's weather warning, issued by the UK Met Office, predicts road, rail, air and ferry disruption, as well as cuts to electricity and mobile phone networks.
Forecasters added: 'There is a small chance that injuries and danger
