Storm batters United Kingdom with hurricane force winds

LONDON — Storm Ciara battered the U.K. and northern Europe with hurricane-force winds and heavy rains Sunday, halting flights and trains and producing heaving seas that closed down ports. Soccer games, farmers’ markets and cultural events were canceled as authorities urged millions of people to stay indoors, away from falling tree branches.

The storm, named by the U.K.’s Met Office weather agency, brought gales across the country and delivered gusts of 97 mph to the Isle of White and 93 mph to the village of Aberdaron in northern Wales.

Storm surges ate away at beaches and pounded rock cliffs and cement docks. The Met Office issued more than 250 flood warnings, and public safety agencies urged people to avoid travel and the temptation to take selfies as floodwaters rose. Residents in the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland in northwest England battled to protect their homes amid severe flooding as the River Eden burst its banks.

At least 10 rail companies in Britain sent out “do not travel” warnings, while nearly 20 others told passengers to expect extensive delays. The strong winds damaged electrical wires and littered train tracks with broken tree limbs and other debris, including a family trampoline.

Huge crowds of stranded, frustrated travelers were seen at London’s King’s Cross and Euston train stations. Train crews planned to work all night to try to restore service, but Monday morning commutes were expected to be chaotic. Dozens of flights were canceled at London airports.