Schumacher Fighting For His Life, Say Doctors

Former motor racing world champion Michael Schumacher is in a coma following a skiing accident in France - and doctors say they "cannot predict his future".

The 44-year-old German is fighting for his life at a hospital in Grenoble and surgeons are working "hour by hour" to save him.

Michael Schumacher was skiing with his son at the time of the accident

At a news conference on Monday morning, in Grenoble, doctors said he had suffered many lesions to his brain and his prognosis was unclear.

Surgeons operated to remove a blood clot in his brain and are now trying to reduce "dangerous swelling", meaning his condition could go either way. 

The hospital revealed that Schumacher was being kept in a state of hypothermia by controlling his temperature to keep it at 34C-35C (93.2F-95F).

He is under general anaesthetic in an induced coma.

"He's in a critical situation - this is considered to be extremely serious," Chief Anaesthetist Jean-Francois Payen told journalists.

The "Dent de Burgin" peak under which Schumacher was skiing

The doctor said that Schumacher's family were at his bedside and friends had flown in to the hospital to lend their support.

"We are working day and night at his bedside," Dr Payen said. "It is too early to say anything as far as prognosis is concerned," he added.

Neurosurgeon Stephan Chabardes said an emergency brain scan had revealed internal bleeding, and injuries including contusions and lesions.

Michael Schumacher was staying at this exclusive chalet in Meribel

"On his arrival we examined him clinically and we realised he was in a serious condition, in a coma, with in fact cranial pressure," Dr Chabardes said.

"The brain scan showed a number of pieces of information, some intercranial haematoma but also some cerebral contusions and oedema.

"We operated urgently to try to eliminate the haematoma. After the operation we saw that we had been able to eliminate these haematoma but also sadly the appearance of various bilateral lesions.

The F1 racer was taken to hospital by helicopter

"So therefore he was taken to intensive care to try to help.

"I am very worried just like his family, we are very worried about his condition. The doctors won't tell you more because they can't tell you more, they are working hour by hour." 

Schumacher was wearing a helmet when he hit his head on a rock while skiing in the French Alps resort of Meribel with his 14-year-old son.

Doctors could not give a prognosis at a press conference in Grenoble

"Someone who had suffered this accident without a helmet would not have made it this far," Dr Payen said

The area where Schumacher was skiing is part of a web of trails that slice down through a vast and, in parts, very steep snowfield.

Although challenging, the runs are broad and neatly tended, and the off-piste areas - where Schumacher was found - is free of trees.

The lane to Schumacher's private chalet

The motor-racing champion was conscious when first responders arrived on the scene, although agitated and in shock, according to a resort spokesman.

He was first airlifted to a local hospital and then later brought to Grenoble for more intensive treatment, when his condition deteriorated.

The French Mountain Gendarmerie had earlier said Schumacher's life was not in danger.

The German Formula One legend skiing in Italy in 2006

Fellow drivers, politicians and friends spoke of their alarm. Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was "extremely shocked along with millions of Germans". 

Schumacher's family also released a brief statement. It read: "We would like to thank the medical team who we know do everything possible to help Michael.

"We like to also thank the people from all around the world who have expressed their sympathy and sent their best wishes for Michael's recovery."

The accident occurred in the resort of Meribel in France

A leading neurosurgery specialist in London has described Schumacher's condition as "very dangerous".

Christopher Chandler, of the London Neurosurgery Partnership, warned that his injuries may take several days to "reach their peak".

He said the haematoma and bruising could cause "ferocious swelling".

Schumacher, a seven-time world champion, first retired from Formula One in 2006.

Schumacher made a comeback to Formula One for Mercedes in 2010

He has been hurt seriously once before, in a motorcycling accident in February 2009 when he suffered neck and spine injuries.

Schumacher recovered sufficiently from those injuries to make a comeback to Formula One in 2010.

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New Year Honours: Women Overtake Men

By Tom Parmenter, Sky News Correspondent

More women than men have been named in the New Year Honours List for the first time ever.

Actress Penelope Keith is made a dame along with Professor Julia Slingo, chief scientist at the Met Office, and Professor Susan Bailey, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Singer Katherine Jenkins, actress Lynda Bellingham and Arsenal Ladies footballer Rachel Yankey all receive OBEs, while businesswoman Karren Brady gets a CBE.

In all, 611 women are honoured, accounting for 51% of the list, the highest total since the Order of the British Empire was founded in 1917.

Keith said she was "elated, exhausted and thrilled."

Michael Crawford picks up a CBE

The 73-year-old, known for her crisp diction and roles in sitcoms such as To The Manor Born and The Good Life, receives her honour for services to the arts and to charity.

She said: "It's the big one. I had already got an OBE and then a CBE, so I don't know what is better than the icing on the cake - but this is."

Former England footballer David Beckham and Wimbledon winner Andy Murray had both been tipped for knighthoods but both missed out.

Marcus Setchell, the doctor who oversaw the safe delivery of Prince George, is recognised for his work caring for the Duchess of Cambridge.

Actor Michael Crawford, who played Frank Spencer in 1970s sitcom Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, said his CBE for services to children's charities was "the most wonderful surprise".

The parents of murdered teenager Jimmy Mizen were given MBEs for their work setting up a foundation in their son's memory.

Mother Margaret Mizen told Sky News that she heard about the award in November but had to keep it secret.

"I just couldn't believe it I was in total shock," she said.

"We were determined not to be beaten by what happened.

"We go into schools and prisons and we share Jimmy's story but we don't go in telling them what to do, to put their knives down or put their guns down ... but we tell them how special they are."

Julie Bailey, who led the campaign to highlight the scandal at Stafford hospital, dedicated her CBE to her late mother Bella.

She told Sky News: "We haven't let powerful people silence us and brush it under the carpet we have just kept our heads down and kept going with dignity and respect."

MBEs have also been awarded to DJ Pete Tong, Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud and 90-year-old Bettina Dawson, who has been serving fish and chips to the people of Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway since 1928.

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Schumacher: Drivers Wish Him A Speedy Recovery

Formula One drivers of the past and present have wished Michael Schumacher a full recovery as he lies in a coma following a serious skiing accident.

Sky's F1 commentator and former driver Martin Brundle - who was Schumacher's team-mate at Benetton - tweeted: "Let's hope Michael Schumacher's ski shunt is not too bad and that he's totally fixable.

"He's a crazy brave skydiving / bike racing daredevil."

Martin Brundle was a team-mate of Schumacher's at Benetton

Hours later, when the full extent of Schumacher's injuries had become clear, he urged: "Come on Michael, give us one of those race stints at pure qualifying pace to win through, like you used to. You can do it."

British driver Jenson Button tweeted: "My thoughts are with Michael Schumacher at this tough time. Michael more than anyone has the strength to pull through this." 

Felipe Massa, the Brazilian driver whose injury brought Schumacher back to F1 in 2009, posted a picture of the pair embracing on Instagram, with the Portuguese message: "I'm praying for God to protect you, brother!"

British F1 driver Jenson Button posted a get well message on Twitter

In English, he wrote: "I hope you have a quick recovery! God bless you, Michael!"

Schumacher returned to the sport racing for Mercedes in the 2010 season.

Jean-Eric Vergne, Jules Bianchi, and Max Chilton also weighed in, offering best wishes and wishing him a quick recovery.

Romain Grosjean, who finished second to the German legend in the 2012 Nations' Cup, tweeted: "All our thoughts to Schumi and his family."

Heikki Kovalainen, who tussled with him on the track in 2004 and 2007, wished him a "full recovery soon".

Scottish F1 driver Paul di Resta tweeted: "Terrible news about MSC, thinking of him and his family. Hoping for better news and that he can pull through #getwellsoon."

Former F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella tweeted: "I know you Michael, you are the man, you are the best you are..... This is the most difficult race but I am sure you we will again!"

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Michael Schumacher 'In Critical Condition'

Former motor racing world champion Michael Schumacher is in a coma following a skiing accident in France.

The 44-year-old German suffered a "serious brain trauma with coma on his arrival, which required an immediate neurosurgical operation," according to the hospital treating Schumacher in the French city of Grenoble.

Schumacher was wearing a helmet when he reportedly hit his head on a rock while skiing in the French Alps.

He was airlifted off the mountain following the accident in the resort of Meribel, in the popular Three Valleys area.

The sports star was skiing with his 14-year-old son and some friends when the accident occurred.

Schumacher's agent, Sabine Kehm, said: ''Michael fell on his head during a private ski trip in the French Alps.

The German Formula One legend skiing in Italy in 2006

"He was hospitalised and is receiving medical care. We ask for your understanding that we cannot give a running commentary on his state of health.

"He was wearing a helmet and was not alone.''

Journalist Carole Bouchard, from the French newspaper L'Equipe, told Sky News that the racing driver's condition had deteriorated during the hours following his hospitalisation.

The French Mountain Gendarmerie had earlier said Schumacher's life was not in danger.

Speaking to Sky News, Chris Chandler, a consultant neurosurgeon at King's College Hospital, said the immediate neurosurgical treatment given to Schumacher shows his injuries are severe.

The accident occurred in the resort of Meribel in France

"He could have suffered a diffuse injury to his brain which can then result in brain swelling," he said.

"He could have sustained some sort of brain haemorrhage and if there was a blood clot within his brain or on the surface of his brain underneath his skull, that might need to be removed.

"Sometimes there is nothing actually to remove but you put in an intra-cranial pressure monitor, which basically is an operation that requires drilling a hole in the skull and putting a fine probe inside."

Former Ferrari team boss Jean Todt and Professor Gerard Saillant, a brain and spine injury expert, are at the Grenoble University Hospital Centre where Schumacher is being treated.

Schumacher made a comeback to Formula One for Mercedes in 2010

Professor Saillant co-ordinated Schumacher's medical care after the driver broke his leg in the 1999 British Grand Prix.

Schumacher, a seven-time world champion, first retired from Formula One in 2006.

He has been hurt seriously once before, in a motorcycling accident in February 2009 when he suffered neck and spine injuries.

Schumacher recovered sufficiently from those injuries to make a comeback to Formula One in 2010.

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Ferry Fire: Rescue Operation In North Sea

Six people have been winched to safety after suffering smoke inhalation when a fire broke out aboard a ferry in the North Sea.

The blaze began in the accommodation area of the MS King Seaways ferry soon after 10pm last night.

Two RAF helicopters were scrambled to help injured passengers on the ferry, which was located about 30 miles east of Flamborough Head, near Scarborough.

RAF Squadron Leader Dave Webster said 946 passengers and 127 crew were aboard the vessel when the blaze broke out.

"Thankfully the weather in the area is good. We haven't got any problems out in the North Sea with weather tonight - it's all been co-operative," he told Sky News.

"Winching from any large vessel is always demanding ... But we train for this every day, so thankfully it's almost second nature to the crews to be out doing this kind of activity."

The ferrry changed its course towards land (Pic: www.marinetraffic.com)

The injured passengers will be taken to Scarborough Hospital. The fire has been brought under control.

Two lifeboats from Bridlington and Filey have also been launched to assist the rescue, the RNLI said.

The rescue operation has been coordinated by the Humber Coastguard.

Bev Allen, Watch Manager at Humber Coastguard, said: "We have been in close contact with the MS King Seaways ... and sent resources to assist in the evacuation of those passengers and crew that were showing signs of smoke inhalation."

The ferry is operated by DFDS between North Shields and Ijmuiden in the Netherlands.

According to the DFDS Seaways website, the 26-year-old vessel has room for over 1,500 passengers and 600 cars.

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Anti-Smoking Campaign: New Ad Targets Addicts

By Gerard Tubb, Sky News Correspondent

Smokers are being targeted by a new TV advertising campaign which aims to scare them into giving up.

Graphic images of polluted blood flowing through the body of a smoker and damaging cells in his brain are used to reinforce the message that smoking increases the risk of dementia and strokes.

The campaign, funded by Public Health England, was launched by the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies.

"We know about the serious effect smoking has on the heart and lungs but smokers need to be aware of how much potential damage is being done to the brain and other vital organs through toxins in cigarettes entering the blood," she said.

"Smoking is the major cause of premature death, with one in two smokers dying prematurely from smoking related diseases, and it is extremely worrying that people still underestimate the health harms associated with it."

Government figures show more than one in five adults in the UK admits to smoking, at an estimated cost to the economy of £5bn per year in health costs, sick leave and lost productivity.

More than one in five adults in the UK admit to smoking

The TV advert, to be shown in England from tomorrow, along with a billboard advertising showing clotted blood dripping from a cigarette, has been welcomed by Joe Korner from The Stroke Association.

"It is well known that smoking harms our health but the link between smoking and stroke is less well known," he said.

"Stroke is a major cause of death and adult disability in the UK and you are twice as likely to have a stroke if you smoke. The more you smoke, the more your risk increases."

Smokers outside the Sant' Angelo restaurant in Wetherby in West Yorkshire who watched a preview of the advert said it encouraged them to consider giving up, or smoking less.

Jo Maltby, 40, has smoked for 20 years and says she tried to give up many times before.

"That probably would give me a bit more of an inclination to (give up) because I have children," she said.

"Obviously the more damage I do to myself the less chance they've got of me being around."

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Angry Flood Victims Confront David Cameron

David Cameron has been confronted by angry residents who told him they had been "abandoned" after the Christmas storm left their village flooded.

The Prime Minister was told that more must be done to tackle the problems with flooding as he visited the village of Yalding in Kent, where 100 homes had to be evacuated over Christmas.

Erica Olivares said she had been without power since Monday and when she and others had tried to contact their local council for help as the floodwaters rose they had been unable to get through as staff had "decided to go on their holidays".

During his visit, Mr Cameron had asked Ms Olivares what she needed and encouraged her to contact her council before she responded that she had tried.

Erica Olivares said her village had been 'abandoned' by the council

In front of the cameras, she told him: "We still have no electric. We need electric. As I say, the council, from Monday, we have been trying to contact them, but they have all decided to go on their holidays. Nothing."

She told Sky News that she had moved to the village after being assured by the council they were bringing in adequate defences following the last floods.

She said: "I just told him what had happened and how we had been affected and also about how disappointed I was about how the local council had treated us.

"We have had no help, especially over Christmas Day we were totally abandoned - we had no hot food, no hot drink, nothing. We were up to our waist literally in flood water the whole of Christmas Day.

"Where does it stop? How many more times is it going to happen? Who is ever going to get flood insurance around here again? Nobody. But if they do, it is going to be so high that nobody will be able to afford it."

As Mr Cameron moved between the houses he was confronted by a second villager.

The Bognor Regis rail route was closed after this landslip at Ockley

The Prime Minister admitted that more needed to be done. He said: "Sandbags should be made available. Here they were given warnings. There were warnings from the Environment Agency but they weren't always accurate but they did know flood action was coming.

"Look at this man's house, I was just talking to. That was a flood barrier he got after 2000 - quite a high flood barrier. But this was such a massive flood the water went over the flood barrier and into the house.

"Sometimes these are very, very tragic events. It is impossible to protect everybody against everything but we have got to do more and we have got to do better."

The tense scenes came as power firms struggled to restore electricity to thousands of homes after hurricane-force gales brought down trees and power lines and caused flooding in two storms over the Christmas period.

A man removes items from his home after flooding in Tonbridge

More than 8,000 homes in the UK, and 10,000 in Ireland were without power on Friday evening but energy companies were under fire for failing to re-establish supplies quickly enough after 50,000 were left without power on Christmas Day.

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) warned it could be some time until power is restored after Thursday night's storm battered Ireland and the west of the UK, with a top recorded wind speed of 109mph in Aberdaron, West Wales, significantly hampering repair work.

ENA spokesman Tony Glover said: "The problem was that not only did we have a storm followed by torrential rain, but huge amounts of flooding afterwards.

"That impacted on our ability to get to the affected areas, and to get materials that we need.

"It meant that we were not able to get cherry pickers to replace and repair damaged infrastructure. We simply cannot put a cherry picker in the middle of a lake.

"We know that it is very tough and that it has been horrendous for people - I am not going to downplay it - but we are doing our best and working around the clock to help everyone who has been affected."

A man paddles his canoe past a flooded property in Yalding

The Met Office continued to urge caution with a number of weather warnings on Friday and the rain and windy conditions are expected to last up to the New Year.

Hundreds of flights and train journeys were cancelled or delayed and police were warning people to take "extreme caution" when driving in the ferocious conditions.

On the roads, the Highways Agency closed the Humber Bridge to high-sided vehicles due to the winds and a lorry was reported to have overturned near Immingham docks, north of Grimsby.

The worst of the winds hit Ireland, Wales, the North and western Scotland, while rain fell on already soaked ground in the South East bringing more flooding misery.

A downed tree in Toys Hill, Kent

Southeastern trains were warning journeys could still be cancelled or delayed at short notice, while Virgin, East Coast and Southern trains continued to warn of travel disruption.

There were no trains between London's Victoria station and Gatwick Airport following a landslip near Ockley in Surrey.

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Police and fire services across both the UK and Ireland reported road closures because of uprooted trees.

Waves smash against a flood wall in County Donegal. Pic: Mitchell family

The Environment Agency (EA) was warning of more "significant disruption" across southern England.

But a spokesperson for the agency said overnight rainfall was less than expected, with around 10mm falling in the South East.

The spokesperson added: "The levels are still peaking for rivers with bigger catchment areas, such as the Stour through Canterbury and Ashford and the River Medway, which runs through Maidstone."

Around 1,200 properties have been flooded so far, according to the EA, with 35 flood warnings and 103 flood alerts in place.

The highest ever water levels were recorded downstream of the Leigh Barrier, a large storage reservoir which protects Tonbridge in Kent from flooding.

ESB Networks engineers attempt to repair downed power lines in Ireland

Met Eireann imposed red alert warnings in the southern and eastern parts of Ireland, with Wexford, Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Waterford experiencing the worst of the stormy weather.

AA Roadwatch described driving conditions on Ireland's country roads as "treacherous" - and advised motorists to drive with extreme care.

An elderly couple were treated in hospital after an electricity pole fell on top of their Mayobridge home during the overnight storms, causing a fire which caused widespread damage.

This home in Mayobridge, Northern Ireland, was gutted by fire

The pair were in their home with their son when the pole hit the roof of the property.

Two other pensioners were also treated after the incident caused smoke and water damage to their home.

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Sandy Hook Shooting Documents Released

A police report into the Sandy Hook school massacre has revealed harrowing new details about the murders and the gunman's family life.

The paperwork, much of which is blacked out, includes several videos and hundreds of photographs from inside Sandy Hook Elementary and Adam Lanza's home.

It reveals how police officers were faced with terrible scenes inside the school and describes how many of the children were killed in a bathroom where they were hiding.

Lanza shot and killed his mother at their home before driving to the Newtown school, where he killed 20 children and six teachers.

A rifle magazine clip is seen on the floor in the hallway

The 20-year-old then committed suicide by shooting himself in the mouth with a handgun as police arrived at the scene.

Included in the files were photographs showing bullet holes in walls, windows and classroom furniture.

Images of spent magazine clips and empty shell casings on the floor depict the gunman's path of destruction.

The report also included many photographs of the contents of the gunman's family house - including one of a young child holding what appears to be a gun, with ammunition in his lap.

In a letter accompanying the report, Reuben Bradford, commissioner of the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, praised the efforts of all those connected to the horrific shooting.

He wrote: "In the midst of the darkness of that day, we also saw remarkable heroism and glimpses of grace. We saw Sandy Hook Elementary School faculty and staff doing everything in their power to protect their charges.

A gun seen just inside one of the classrooms

"The investigation of this incident is unparalleled in the 110-year history of the Connecticut State Police."

The documents revealed that a former teacher of Lanza's was quoted as telling investigators that Lanza exhibited anti-social behaviour, rarely interacted with other students and obsessed in writings "about battles, destruction and war".

"In all my years of experience, I have known (redacted) grade boys to talk about things like this, but Adam's level of violence was disturbing," the teacher told investigators.

The teacher added: "Adam's creative writing was so graphic that it could not be shared."

The documents also filled in more details about how the shooting unfolded, teachers protected their students and the school janitor confronted the shooter.

Teachers heard janitor Rick Thorn try to get Lanza to leave the school.

One teacher, who was hiding in a closet in the maths lab, heard Mr Thorn yell: "Put the gun down!"

An aide said she heard gunfire and Mr Thorn told her to close her door.

The documents' release marks the end of the investigation into the massacre on December 14, 2012, 

Prosecutors issued a summary of the investigation last month that portrayed Lanza as obsessed with mass murders.

Lanza kept a clipping about the 2008 Northern Illinois University shooting

But the report concluded that Lanza's motives for the massacre might never be known.

Lanza "was undoubtedly afflicted with mental health problems; yet despite a fascination with mass shootings and firearms, he displayed no aggressive or threatening tendencies," it said.

Lanza was diagnosed in 2006 with "profound autism spectrum disorder, with rigidity, isolation and a lack of comprehension of ordinary social interaction and communications".

He also displaying symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Kathleen Koenig, a nurse at the Yale Child Studies Center, told investigators that Lanza frequently washed his hands and changed his socks 20 times a day, to the point where his mother did three loads of laundry a day.

The nurse, who met with Lanza in 2006 and 2007, said Lanza's mother declined to give him prescribed antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication after she reported that he had trouble raising his arm, something she attributed to the drug.

Koenig unsuccessfully tried to convince Nancy Lanza that the medicine was not responsible, and the mother failed to schedule a follow-up visit after her son missed an appointment, police said.

In the documents, a friend told police that Nancy Lanza reported that her son had hit his head several days before the shootings.

And an ex-boyfriend told police that she cancelled a trip to London on the week of the shooting because of "a couple last-minute problems on the home front".

She told a friend two weeks before the shootings that her son was growing "increasingly despondent" and had refused to leave his room for three months.

They only communicated by email, with the mother saying he told her he wouldn't feel bad if something happened to her.

His isolation was so complete that he refused to leave his room during Superstorm Sandy, the report said.

Just before the shooting, Nancy Lanza was in New Hampshire. She told a lunch acquaintance there that the trip was an experiment in leaving her son home alone in Connecticut for a few days.

Photographs from inside the Lanza home show numerous rounds of ammunition, gun magazines, shot-up paper targets, large knives and swords.

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Lorry Collides With British Legion Club

A lorry has collided with a Royal British Legion club in the West Midlands, killing the driver.

West Midlands Police said there were no other reported injuries.

Emergency services were called to the scene in Wednesbury at around 8pm.

The lorry - delivering milk - collided with the side of the social club at the junction of High Bullen and Church Hill.

Customers were evacuated from inside the building "as a precaution", a police spokeswoman said.

The roads around the scene remained closed as emergency services made sure the building was safe.

The force spokeswoman said officers are in the process of trying to identify the lorry driver and inform his next of kin.

Police are keen to hear from any witnesses and asked them to contact West Midlands Police on 101.

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Christmas Flood Misery Continues For Thousands

More weather chaos is due over the next few days with the Environment Agency (EA) saying flooding may get worse in some areas.

Late this evening at least six flights were diverted from Dublin airport because of "strong gusts on both runways".

Thousands of people spent Christmas Day without power and many were evacuated due to flooding.

Rolt family, from Crawley, have a candlelit McDonald's meal for Christmas

With stormy weather expected to continue through the week, the EA said the Christmas misery might get worse.

It said there could be "significant disruption" across southern England, and "heavy showers may worsen the current flooding situation in some areas".

A spokesman added: "Ongoing river flooding across the Somerset Levels, River Severn, River Thames and River Ouse in Cambridgeshire and rivers across Essex is expected over the next few days."

There are 56 flood warnings and 144 flood alerts across England and Wales.

More than 1,000 homes have so far been flooded in England, and thousands of properties are still without power.

Experts have warned that electricity may not be fully restored in some houses until the end of the week.

Rosalind Wright has had no power at her home in Carshalton, Surrey, since Christmas Eve.

The Environment Agency's map shows flood warnings across England and Wales

She said: "We've been calling the UK power emergency line and they just keep telling us they don't know when the power will come back on. It's just so frustrating.

"It's so cold at night. We can't wash, our food is ruined, I opened the fridge this morning and the smell was awful.

"We've got tropical fish that are dying because they haven't got their heat and light and oxygen."

Nick Rolt, from Crawley, tweeted a picture of his family sitting down to a candlelit McDonald's meal on Christmas Eve when their power went off.

Firefighters broke their strike in parts of England because of the storms.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union in Surrey and Kent were recalled to duty under the terms of an agreement between the union, the employers and the Government.

In Ireland, strong gale-force winds are expected to continue overnight with western and southern counties taking the brunt of the storm.

Red Alerts have been issued for Wexford, Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Waterford. Winds of up to 93mph are expected in exposed areas.

Heavy rain is also due to fall in counties to the west and north. Forecasters have warned of spot flooding in coastal regions.

In the early hours of Christmas Day, around 90 people were evacuated from their homes on the River Stour near Bournemouth.

People were also evacuated from the Beaulieu Garden Park Home in Christchurch, Dorset.

The Coastguard has joined Kent Fire and Rescue Service to rescue people from the Little Venice Caravan and Marina Park in Yalding after rising waters from the River Medway cut them off.

There was also chaos at Gatwick Airport in West Sussex after a power cut at the North Terminal led to cancellations and delays, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Airport bosses face a possible investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) over the chaos - which came two months after flights were hit by another storm.

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UK Set For More Flooding And Travel Chaos

The Environment Agency has warned of more weather chaos over the next few days - and says flooding may get worse in some areas.

Thousands of people spent Christmas Day without power and many were evacuated due to flooding.

With stormy weather expected to continue through the week, the Environment Agency (EA) said the Christmas misery may get worse.

Rolt family, from Crawley, have a candlelit McDonald's meal for Christmas

It said there may be "significant disruption" across south England overnight, and "heavy showers may worsen the current flooding situation in some areas".

A spokesman added: "Ongoing river flooding across the Somerset Levels, River Severn, River Thames and River Ouse in Cambridgeshire and rivers across Essex is expected over the next few days."

More than 1,000 homes have so far been flooded in England, and thousands of properties are still without power.

Experts have warned that electricity may not be fully restored in some houses until the end of the week.

Nick Rolt, from Crawley, tweeted a picture of his family sitting down to a candlelit McDonald's meal on Christmas Eve when their power went off.

The Environment Agency's map shows flood warnings across England and Wales

The EA has two severe warnings in place in the South West - the highest level of alert, which means there is a danger to life. They are at Beaulieu Garden Park Home Site and Iford Bridge Home Park.

There are 93 flood warnings and 185 flood alerts across England and Wales.

Firefighters broke their strike in parts of England because of the storms.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union in Surrey and Kent were recalled to duty under the terms of an agreement between the union, the employers and the Government.

In the early hours of Christmas Day, around 90 people were evacuated from their homes on the River Stour near Bournemouth.

People were also evacuated from the Beaulieu Garden Park Home in Christchurch, Dorset.

The Coastguard joined Kent Fire and Rescue Service to rescue people from the Little Venice Caravan and Marina Park in Yalding after rising waters from the River Medway cut them off.

There was chaos at Gatwick Airport in West Sussex after a power cut at the North Terminal led to cancellations and delays, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Airport bosses face a possible investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) over the chaos - which came two months after flights were hit by another storm.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

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Queen's Message: Monarch Reflects On 2013

By Paul Harrison, Royal Correspondent

The Queen has reflected on key events of the past 12 months in her traditional Christmas broadcast, including the birth of her great-grandson Prince George and the 60th anniversary of her coronation.

In her message, recorded earlier this month at Buckingham Palace, the 87-year-old monarch said: "We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection.

"With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock."

The head of the Commonwealth also used the theme of "reflection" to look ahead to the Commonwealth Games being staged in Glasgow next year.

The newest addition to the Royal Family was something the Queen was keen to focus on, saying the arrival of a baby "gives everyone the chance to contemplate the future with renewed happiness and hope".

During the broadcast, behind-the-scenes footage was shown for the first time of the photoshoot at Clarence House in October, shortly after the Christening of Prince George at the Chapel Royal.

The Monarch will reflect on the birth of her great-grandson, Prince George

One photograph taken was that of the Queen with the next three generations of monarchs including Princes Charles, William and George.

As the Queen spoke to the British people, and those of the Commonwealth, the historic photograph took pride of place next to her at the Palace alongside a framed image of her father George VI and mother, the Queen Mother.

The Christmas address is written by the Queen and is one of the rare occasions when she does not turn to the Government for advice but is able to voice her own views.

It was this year recorded in Buckingham Palace's Blue Drawing Room which featured a large Christmas tree decorated with coloured baubles.

During her message, the Queen was seated wearing a single crepe-wool primrose dress designed by Angela Kelly, which she wore to William and Kate's wedding in April 2011.

On her left shoulder was a diamond, ruby and sapphire brooch, a present from her parents to celebrate the birth of Charles in 1948, which she wore at George's Christening.

Earlier on Christmas Day the monarch was joined by her family at church in Sandringham - with the exception of Prince George.

The Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Andrew led the walking party from the main house to St Mary Magdalene's church on the Norfolk estate.

But The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge decided the 45-minute service would be unsuitable for their five-month-old.

Prince Harry joined the 11am stroll sporting a beard grown during his trek to the South Pole.

The Queen, who is normally accompanied by the Countess of Wessex, was this year instead joined by a heavily pregnant Zara Philips.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

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Storms Wreak Misery And Chaos For Christmas

48 Hours Without Power

Updated: 1:45am UK, Wednesday 25 December 2013

By Anna Botting, Sky News presenter

We live at the top of a hill in Surrey. Our power went off just after 2pm on the 23rd December.

It's still off as I write this, late on Christmas Eve, with no prospects of anything being sorted out before tomorrow - Christmas Day.

How I wish my Christmas present list had read like this:

- Candles – lots, of the non-perfumed variety

- One wind-up radio

- A camping light

- And a chain-saw – to cut through all the trees that are down.

It is amazing what electricity does for us. You don't realise until you don't have it anymore.

Fridges, full of Christmas food, are gradually warming to unsafe levels. Christmas lights, that twinkled so brightly, lie dormant.

And in the gloom, with no television, no radio, no lights to read by, no internet, no phone, there is absolutely nothing to do...except listen to the wind battering the windows and the trees whipping and the bins rolling around the lane.  How did people cope in the old days?

Thankfully it's still relatively mild, but my 16-month-old baby's hands were still icy. We'd bought a camping stove for the last storm - St Jude's. It's been a God-send.

We can make cups of tea and cook-up some soup or pasta for the little one. The baby had a bath by candlelight, which was lovely for her.

But downstairs, my newly-walking toddler stumbled around in the gloom, hitting walls and furniture as the candles burned down.

Eventually we're left with just two; one of them barely flickering. It's really dark on top of our hill. My other half decides to do his Christmas wrapping but he can barely see what the present is, let alone the label that he attempts to write.

There is nothing for it, but to give up and go to bed early.

Next day the neighbours come round. The 81-year-old with a stomach bug who's staying in bed to keep warm, the father and grandfather who have the whole family due at their house for Christmas Day - who report seeing a power cable down at the back of their house.

The electricity company had told us it was an underground cabling issue, presumably caused by flooding, but clearly the wind has wrought havoc too.

They optimistically told us (by their text messaging service) that it would be sorted by 5pm yesterday, then 10pm. Now I'm guessing it'll be Boxing Day.

I always wonder why people go on about their freezers in power cuts. But then I remember the butchery course I bought my partner for his birthday and the two beautifully butchered joints he brought back that are sitting in the freezer waiting for a Sunday roast.

He confidently tells me that modern freezers keep things frozen for 24 hours. But now we're already at 32 hours and counting.

I attempt a shower before heading to work. But of course the electric shower pump doesn't operate and I have to wash my hair over the bath with now freezing cold water.

I haven't seen the news since yesterday lunchtime; the power cut means a news blackout. Now heading home, I am armed with torch to creep in, in the dark. 

Merry Christmas - especially to all those who can't read this now.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Queen's Speech: Monarch Reflects On 2013

By Paul Harrison, Royal correspondent

The Queen will reflect on key events of the past 12 months in her traditional Christmas broadcast, including the birth of her great-grandson Prince George and the 60th anniversary of her Coronation.

In her message, recorded earlier this month at Buckingham Palace, the 87-year-old Monarch will say: "We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection.

"With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock." 

The head of the Commonwealth will also use the theme of 'reflection' to look ahead to the Commonwealth Games being staged in Glasgow next year.

It is expected to be a full house at Sandringham this year with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joining the family for the festivities, including the traditional Christmas Day church service.

It will be their son Prince George's first Christmas at the Norfolk estate.

The Monarch will reflect on the birth of her great-grandson, Prince George

The Queen will refer in her message to her growing family by saying "...the arrival of a baby gives everyone the chance to contemplate the future with renewed happiness and hope."

During the broadcast, behind-the-scenes footage will be shown for the first time of the photoshoot at Clarence House in October, shortly after the Christening of Prince George at the Chapel Royal.

One photograph taken was that of the Queen with the next three generations of monarchs including Princes Charles, William and George.

As the Queen speaks to the British people, and those of the Commonwealth, the historic photograph takes pride of place next to her at the Palace alongside a framed image of her father George VI and mother, the Queen Mother.

The Christmas address is written by the Queen and is one of the rare occasions when she does not turn to the Government for advice but is able to voice her own views.

It was this year recorded in Buckingham Palace's Blue Drawing Room which features a large Christmas tree decorated with coloured baubles.

During her message, the Queen is seated wearing a single crepe-wool primrose dress designed by Angela Kelly, which she wore to William and Kate's wedding in April 2011.

On her left shoulder is a diamond, ruby and sapphire brooch, a present from her parents to celebrate the birth of Charles in 1948, which she wore at George's Christening.

The message will be broadcast on Sky News at 3pm.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

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Weather: Two Die As Storm Batters Country

A man and a woman have died as rain and winds of up to 87mph sweep the country disrupting the Christmas getaway and leaving more than 6,000 without power.

A man died in Cumbria after falling into the River Rothay at Ambleside triggering a large rescue search involving the police, RAF, Coastguard, and mountain rescue teams. In a separate incident, a woman died after falling into a river at Gwynedd in North Wales.

A motorist died on Sunday at Bolventor, in Cornwall after a three-car accident during a hail storm.

In Horsham, West Sussex, two children were treated for minor injuries after being hit by branches from a falling tree.

Flood warnings were in place across the whole country as it was hit by relentless rain falling on already saturated ground and winds whipping to 70-80mph.

Most of the country will see rain at some point

Around 3,000 homes are without power in Cornwall and a further 2,000 in other parts of the South West after high winds brought down power lines, according to Western Power Distribution. According to Southern Electricity, there are 1,100 without power in Berkshire.

The spokesman for the Met Office said a new wind speed high had been recorded at Capel Curig in Conwy, North Wales, with gusts blowing at 87mph.

Not far behind was Berry Head in Torbay, Devon, with gusts of 76mph.

The Dartford QE2 bridge is closed until 4am tomorrow morning, the M48 Severn Bridge is closed to high-sided vehicles and the Sheppey Crossing in Kent has also been closed until Tuesday morning.

An Essex police spokesman said: "The tunnels will remain open to help maintain the flow of traffic, but congestion is expected so drivers are advised to seek alternative routes if possible or avoid the Thurrock and Dartford areas of Essex and Kent."

A roof blew off a property in Hatherleigh, Devon. Pic: @Orchella49

In London, Royal Parks officials closed Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, Bushy Park, St James's Park and Green Park due to the high winds expected overnight on Monday.

The Met Office has issued more than 200 amber "be prepared" warnings across the country. There are 56 "immediate action required" flood warnings in place and one severe warning - meaning lives are at risk - at the Sea Life Centre in the area of Lodmoor, Weymouth.

Sky News' weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said: "There will be heavy downpours bringing 20-40mm of rainfall quite widely and over 60mm likely across parts of the high ground.

"As the rain is falling on already saturated ground that could cause both surface water and river flooding in these areas."

The stormy weather is expected to move to northern areas for Christmas Eve but Christmas Day looks set for calmer weather, however, there are warnings the strong winds and driving rain will return on Friday.

:: See the latest weather forecast here

More than 100 'be prepared' alerts have been issued

But it is the trains that are expected to bear the brunt of the nasty weather and at least 21 train companies said there were changes to timetables and cancelled services.

An emergency go-slow limit of 50mph is in force on many routes.

Train bosses say "hundreds of engineers" will be on call over the next two days to deal with any blocked tracks or technical problems.

Passengers are being urged to check the latest information before setting out.

Network Rail Managing Director Robin Gisby said: Robin Gisby, managing director of operational services for Network Rail, said the next couple of days would be a challenge.

He said: "Our fundamental concern over the next 48 hours is to get everyone where they want to be for Christmas.

Virgin Trains is one of many operators warning of delays and disruption

"It won't be an easy task given the forecast conditions and disruption is likely - but I want to be very clear that our priority is running as many trains as we can safely, rather than worrying about hitting the timetable bang on."

Many companies have removed limits on day tickets to deter people from travelling at the height of the bad weather.

Motorists were urged to be take special care on the roads and check the flood updates ahead of their journey, as the AA reported it was dealing with 1,100 breakdowns every hour.

The Environment Agency and the AA strongly advised not entering flood water that is moving or more than 10cm deep.

David Jordan, Director of Operations at the Environment Agency, said: "Tragically people die because they've taken risks and attempted to drive through flood water just to save a few minutes.

The A82 in Scotland, where there is an ice alert. Pic: @pressscotland

"Flood water is dangerous. If there is widespread flooding in your area then don't travel and if a road is closed then turn around and make a detour."

The Highways Agency said high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists should be especially careful in the high winds and and put out a list of potentially treacherous routes.

The RAC predicted 13 million people would take to the roads from December 24 to 26.

There were cancellations and delays at both Gatwick and Heathrow airports, while the Port of Dover was closed at 9pm becuse of the adverse weather conditions.

Visitor attractions are also playing it safe, with the popular Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park staying shut on Monday as well as Kew Gardens' Christmas attraction.

Festive revellers will get a brief respite from the unsettled weather on Christmas Day and Boxing Day but the stormy conditions are due to return on Friday.

In Brighton, the council announced that the traditional Christmas Day dip would be cancelled because of the severe weather conditions.

The swim, which was also stopped last year because of dangerous weather conditions, has been running since 1860 and usually attracts scores of participants.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

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Egypt: '14 Dead' In Powerful Police HQ Explosion

At least 14 people have been killed in an explosion at police headquarters in the Egyptian city of Mansoura, according to officials.

The powerful blast, believed to have been caused by a car bomb, injured at least 100 others according to the state news agency and a security official.

The explosion took place just after 1am at the regional security headquarters in the Nile Delta province of Daqahliya, collapsing part of the five-floor building. Most of those killed are understood to be police officers who were inside the building at the time of the blast. 

The blast damaged surrounding buildings and wrecked nearby cars

The explosion reportedly damaged surrounding buildings and wrecked dozens of vehicles.

Security forces cordoned off the  area, closed major entrances and exits to the city and set up checkpoints. State TV called on residents to rush to hospitals to donate blood.

Egypt's interim government accused the Muslim Brotherhood of orchestrating the attack, branding it a "terrorist organisation."

Egypt's Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and vowed that the perpetrators "will not escape justice."

The attack came a day after an al Qaeda-inspired group called on police and army personnel to desert or face death at the hands of its fighters.

It was the first major attack in the Nile Delta, spreading the carnage to a new area and bringing it closer to Cairo. Previous violence that killed scores of people happened in Sinai, or in Suez Canal-area cities such as Islamilia.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

More follows...

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Weather Warning As Travel Delays Expected

Millions of travellers preparing for the Christmas getaway are being warned to expect delays on the roads and railways with strong winds and heavy rain expected across Britain on Monday.

At least 27 rail networks are expected to be affected by the weather with gusts of up to 60mph likely nearly everywhere in the afternoon, possibly reaching 80mph later in the day in some areas.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for the day, and motorists are being told to brace themselves for problems - particularly those heading to the southwest of England and parts of Scotland.

The scene beside the A9 at Drumochter this morning (pic: @BEAR_Scotland)

The Cumbrian Coast Line between Carlisle and Barrow is already shut due to a landslide, while flooding has closed part of the line in Crowborough.

Cumbrian Police are urging people to take extra care and be prepared for flooding caused by heavy rain.

The Highways Agency, in conjunction with the Met Office, is advising drivers of high-sided or other vehicles vulnerable to high winds to avoid several roads including the M4 from junctions 22 to 23 and the M5 from junctions 18 to 19.

Weather disruption on the A9 southbound in Scotland (pic: @EuanWest)

John McTaggart, head of on-road services at the Agency, said: "We are working closely with the Met Office to monitor conditions ahead of tomorrow.

"Road users are urged to check traffic and weather conditions before setting out on journeys and to heed any advice such as speed restrictions once they are on the strategic road network.

"Be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles plenty of space.

Passengers at Kings Cross are advised of disruption to their travel plans

"In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close certain bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow the clearly signed diversion routes. "

Arriva Trains Wales, c2C, Chiltern Railways, Cross Country, First Capital Connect, Virgin Trains, East Coast Trains, East Midlands Trains and First Hull Trains are all warning of disruption to services tomorrow. First Capital Connect said the delays could run into Tuesday.

Approximately two trains per hour are expected to run between Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham and all other stations into London St Pancras International from noon on Monday.

This landslip at Harrington in Cumbria caused delays for train passengers

South East trains say buses have replaced trains from Hastings to Tonbridge due to a landslip at Wadhurst, East Sussex.

Rail operators say passengers with tickets for trains tomorrow should travel today if possible. East Midlands Trains have confirmed that anyone with a ticket for tomorrow may travel today. Advance ticket holders may also travel on services earlier than the time specified on the ticket.

Virgin Trains advised passengers with tickets valid tomorrow to travel before 3pm where possible due to expected speed restrictions.

Train services could be hit by gusts of up to 80mph

The Environment Agency say flood alerts are in place in several areas across the country and motorists are advised to contact the Highways Agency if roads start to flood with a build-up of surface water. The RAC is predicting that 13 million people will take to the roads from December 24 to 26.

Drivers are being urged to check the latest flood updates ahead of their journey - and to not to drive through dangerous floodwater.

The Environment Agency and the AA strongly advise not entering flood water that is moving or more than 10cm deep.

Many delayed passengers vented their frustration on Twitter

David Jordan, Director of Operations at the Environment Agency, said: "Tragically people die because they've taken risks and attempted to drive through flood water just to save a few minutes.

The Met Office 'Be Aware' warning covers the whole UK

"Flood water is dangerous. If there is widespread flooding in your area then don't travel and if a road is closed then turn around and make a detour. Your journey could take you a little longer but making the right decision could ultimately save your life."

Sky News Weather Presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said: "Very strong winds are expected on Monday as the deep area of low pressure across the southwest moves northwards past the Western Isles of Scotland.

"Gusts are expected to reach 60mph almost everywhere during the afternoon. During the evening and overnight, wind gusts may reach 70-80mph across central and south-eastern parts of England.

"Heavy rain is also expected to spread eastwards to most of the UK during the afternoon and overnight. So it will be a very wet and very windy day for all areas."

The worst of the weather is expected to clear by the end of Christmas Eve.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

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