Storm Eleanor is battering the country and will continue to lash Britain later this morning, according to the Met Office.
Forecasters from the weather service have issued several severe weather warnings, and warned it could be life-threatening.
There are currently more than 50 flood warnings for the UK including the Mersey Estuary, and coasts in Cumbria, north Cornwall, north Devon and Somerset.
The dire conditions has sparked travel chaos fears following a series of disruptions across Britain.
In Wales, the A477 Cleddau Bridge in Pembrokeshire and the M48 Severn Bridge were both closed to high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists were advised not to cross.
Motorists in north Wales were warned to approach the A55 Britannia Bridge with care.
The M5 northbound carriageway closed between junctions six and five due to overturned vehicle.
On the M25 a large tree fell on to the clockwise carriageway between junctions 17 and 18, temporarily halting all traffic. Orbital partially reopened as teams removed the obstacle.
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The A14 was closed in both directions between junctions 56 and 57 due to high winds on the Orwell Bridge. Traffic diverted through Ipswich.
The Dartford Crossing in Kent has been closed due to strong winds – though it is expected to reopen before the morning rush hour.
Irish Sea ferry crossings from Holyhead in Anglesey have been cancelled due to the bad weather.
Emma Sharples, a Met Office forecaster, said: “There is likely to be some disruption possibly to public transport, bridges and other public services such as mobile phones, and people need to be aware that there could be debris as well.
“The strong winds coincide with high tides in some western areas which could lead to large waves, which could have some impact as well.”
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It is estimated 22,000 homes in Northern Ireland and many more in England were affected by power cuts.
Northern Ireland’s Electricity Networks said it has restored power to some 10,000 houses, but that 12,000 would be left without power overnight.
Western Power said almost 700 homes across Wales had experienced power cuts.
On its site, the Met Office warning reads: "A spell of strong winds is expected overnight into Wednesday morning.
"Combined with a period of high tides, it is likely that some western coastal communities will be affected by large waves and spray, and there is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown on to sea fronts, roads and coastal properties.
"Power cuts and disruption to other services (mobile phones for example) may occur, and there is a small chance of transport disruption or cancellation of public transport."
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“We urge people to stay safe on the coast”
Carol Holt
It added that the powerful winds will remain through to 8am tomorrow.
It also warned that homes and roads on the western and southern coasts will be vulnerable to high and dangerous waves.
Met Office chief forecaster, Paul Gundersen, said: "The unsettled theme continues throughout this week, with further spells of rain moving across the UK from the west as many return to work on Tuesday and there will again be some snow over the high ground in Scotland.
"The wind will pick up again later on Tuesday and Wednesday as developing Storm Eleanor heads towards the UK and Ireland."
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Brits were also urged to avoid taking selfies in the weather conditions.
Carol Holt, the Environment Agency's flood duty manager, said: "We urge people to stay safe on the coast – take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger trying to take 'storm selfies'.
"If you're travelling, please check your route before setting off and don't drive through flood water."
Vince Crane, of the AA, advised drivers to take extra care in the worsening conditions.
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He said: "Torrential rain and gale-force winds are a recipe for driving disaster.
"Road conditions can quickly deteriorate during very heavy rainfall, with drains becoming swamped or blocked and standing water causing surface spray, reduced visibility and potentially leading to flooding.
"Drivers will need to take extra care and expect delays, even on motorways."
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In Wales people have been advised to keep a safe distance from the sea.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) issued a series of flood warnings for the south-east, south-west and north Wales coasts.
The environment body said the warnings would be in place for the rest of the day and for Monday morning's high tide.
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Ceri Jones, from NRW, warned people to be careful on the coast.
He said: "At this time of year there will be lots of people out and about visiting family and enjoying some time off and our advice is to keep at a safe distance from the coast, and from piers and promenades which will be particularly exposed.
"Large waves could overtop defences and throw up debris – this could easily cause injury or knock you off your feet."