Storm Pia causes transport chaos as it overturns lorry – with major transport routes suffering severe disruption

STORM Pia left a trail of destruction today with many major transport routes affected by 80mph gusts.

Motorways, airports and rail stations all suffered severe disruption from speed restrictions, crosswinds and falling trees.

Spuds blocked the southbound M5 in Devon for more than 12 hours when strong winds toppled a delivery lorry.

Devon and Cornwall Police tweeted: “Despite our efforts, the M5S is shut whilst we empty 22 tons of potatoes by hand! We’re rescuing them for charity.”

Planes at Birmingham and Leeds-Bradford airports ran into fierce crosswinds as they tried to land and take off.

London Euston rail services were badly disrupted when a plastic bag flew into a power line between Stoke and Crewe.

Tonight, engineers were also battling to reconnect 40,000 homes left without power, with West Yorks the worst hit.

Brizlee Wood in Northumberland and Baltasound in Shetland had 81mph gusts.

The Met Office said winds should ease but the weekend would still be blustery.