Travel disruptions continue across UK as Storm Gerrit hits many parts of country

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Travel disruptions continued on Thursday across the UK as the impact of Storm Gerrit is being felt, with more than 200 flood alerts and warnings still in place.

The storm led British Airways to cancel over 20 flights to and from London Heathrow on Thursday. Meanwhile, ferry services to destinations such as the Hebrides, France, and the Isle of Wight are issuing warnings of potential delays and cancellations.

"Last night a supercell thunderstorm crossed Greater Manchester causing damage. We know from our Dopplar radar that it had a strong rotating updraft,” said Britain's Meteorological Office in a statement.

"Whilst we don't yet have surface data to confirm, the presence of these features suggests a tornado at the surface was likely,” it added.

Local reports also said that Storm Gerrit left thousands without power across the Northeast and Shetland.

Approximately 14,000 homes find themselves in the grip of darkness as Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks grapple to restore power to affected areas.

Authorities said some households might face power outages until tomorrow. The majority of those still impacted are concentrated in the Northeast and Shetland regions.

A number of rail lines and roads were also disrupted.

Following a morning assessment of the damage, Scotrail confirmed on Thursday that several key rail lines remain inaccessible across the country. This includes routes between Aberdeen and Edinburgh, Glasgow to Oban, and Edinburgh to Dundee, near St. Andrews.