Hurricane Ophelia: Thousands lose power as storm hits Ireland and Met Office warns of 'danger to life'

Storm expected to move from Ireland to Wales, northern England and Scotland

Thousands have been left without power in southern Ireland as the remnants of Hurricane Ophelia hit the British Isles, knocking down trees and whipping up 10-metre waves.

One woman has died in the southeast Irish county of Waterford after a tree fell on her car, national broadcaster RTE reported, quoting the local council office.

Flights have been grounded and the Met Office has warned of "potential danger to life", with gusts of up to 80mph forecast.

It comes exactly 30 years after the Great Storm of 1987 killed 18 people.

Planes have been grounded at Manchester Airport, with 20 flights cancelled and passengers warned to check ahead.

Ireland was braced for the worst of the weather, with schools closed and around 130 flights cancelled at Dublin airport.

Schools and colleges were closed in Northern Ireland, which is covered with an amber weather warning - meaning there is a "potential risk to life and property," issued when forecasters believe people need to be prepared to change their plans and protect themselves from the impacts of severe weather.

The storm is expected to move across to Wales, northern England and Scotland throughout Monday.

High winds are expected across the entire region, while a yellow warning is in place for much of Wales, Scotland, north east England, north west England, south west England and the West Midlands.

Parts of Scotland and Wales have also been upgraded to amber.

Forecasters warned of flying debris, such as tiles blown from roofs, as well as large waves around coastal districts with beach material being thrown on to coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.

In Ireland, Met Eireann has issued a "status red" weather alert for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork and Kerry, warning of severe winds and stormy conditions.