In walk-out

Over violence

home because of fallen trees blocking their path. Evacuation warnings were in place for more than a million people as the storm, with winds of 90mph, landed. Tens of thousands of homes were without power as sea water washed through towns and left people stranded. Soldiers have been drafted in.

The governor of the east coast state, Roy Cooper, said surviving the storm would be a test of “endurance and the walk-out. Prison officers are banned from industrial action.

Mr Gillan added: “I’m pleased with the outcome. Well, in fact, I’m saddened we had to do it in the first place. But now we hope for meaningful, constructive dialogue.”

Online posts showed protests across the UK, including at teamwork”. Officials warned it could kill “a lot of people” and cause “catastrophic” flooding.

The hurricane is expected to last for days. Eight months’ rain is likely to fall in two to three days.

A Weather Channel forecast did little to ease nerves. Presenter Erika Navarro stood in front of computerised flood water which rose alarmingly. She said: “Once we get to the 9ft range we’re in a life-threatening scenario.” Manchester. It meant some defendants in custody could not be taken to court hearings.

It came a day after Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke warned of potential for a “complete breakdown” in order and discipline at HMP Bedford. He said inmates have effectively taken control of the overcrowded, vermin-infested jail.

It is the fourth urgent notification on a prison in nine months after Nottingham, Exeter and Birmingham. About 50 Bedford staff gathered outside to make their point yesterday.

The union said one officer’s arm was broken with a pool cue while another had his head stamped on.

Prisons Minister Rory Stewart said last night: “The priority now must be to continue our constructive dialogue with the safety of our hard-working prison officers at its absolute heart.”