Picture gallery: Gales lash Britain

The country has been plunged back into winter with gusts of up to 70mph buffeting the west and south coasts and heavy rain washing out roads and sporting venues.

Wash out: Strollers on the prom at Dover get a soaking

Stormy waters: A ferry coming into Portsmouth struggles

Water logged: Bath RFC against Llanelli is called off

Storm damage: A tree falls into a Southampton house

Wet weekend: Waves crash over Christchurch harbour

Over flow: A swollen river bursts its banks