Gales and storms batter Britain

LONDON, Jan 18 (Reuters) Severe gales are expected to batter much of Britain today causing significant disruption to transport and damage to buildings, weather forecasters said.

Winds of up to 80 mph in exposed parts of the country are predicted along with heavy rain while snow is also due across much of Scotland.

''The southern half of the UK will see heavy rain and the strongest winds with gales or severe gales in many areas,'' the Met Office said.

''Damaging gusts of 60-70 miles per hour could cause travel disruption and the public are advised to keep up to date with the very latest forecast for their area. Exposed coasts and hills could see gusts as high as 80 miles per hour.'' Network Rail said train services throughout the country have been affected by the bad weather.

Many First Great Western services from London Paddington to Wales and western England have been cancelled while GNER said it would be running only 75 percent of its service with delays predicted and trains likely to be busier than usual.

London's busy King's Cross station was also closed during the morning rush hour because of an electrical failure, but it was not immediately clear if the weather was to blame.

Meanwhile the Highways Agency warned motorists to take extra care, to slow down in bad weather and keep greater distances from other vehicles.

Kent Police said the M25 Dartford bridge crossing had been closed and severe traffic problems were being reported on many roads into the capital.

The gales are expected to ease from the west during Thursday afternoon but the Met Office said poor conditions would continue.

''In contrast to the recent mild weather, temperatures will fall over the weekend, with snow and widespread frosts becoming the main focus of concern. There is a risk of disruption over eastern and northern parts of the UK,'' it added.

REUTERS SHB RK1505