In other news: Britain's worst storm in years, St Jude, has struck with gusto leaving around 220,000 homes without power and 130 flights cancelled at Heathrow, one of the busiest airports in the world.

British Met Office said winds up to 159 kmph were recorded as hurricane-force winds battered parts of England and Wales last night, forcing UK's Environment Agency to issue 152 flood alerts across the country.

Rail services across much of southern Britain were cancelled for the morning rush hour and traffic chaos was expected on the roads as a result of felled trees and electricity poles.

One-in-five early morning flights from Heathrow were cancelled with disruption expected at other airports across the UK as well.

"Passengers due to travel on Monday should check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to the airport," Heathrow said in a statement.