Hospitals declare emergency and thousands of homes lose power as snow covered UK is blasted by 90MPH winds and floods in the Beast from the East's last blast

Hospitals have declared emergencies and at least 9,000 homes have lost power as snow-covered Britain is blasted by 90mph winds and flooding - with forecasters warning the country 'is not out of the woods yet'.

Hundreds of motorists were left stranded overnight as extreme weather continued to wreak havoc across Britain today with roads brought to a standstill by winds gusting at up to 90mph causing blizzards and drifting snow.

South West England has been particularly badly hit after facing an unprecedented Met Office red warning for snow, with Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust declaring an 'internal critical incident'.

Officials at the trust have postponed all outpatient and planned routine surgery and diagnostic appointments, and prioritised all available staff to emergency services as they paid to tribute to their 'outstanding' team.

Some 4,000 properties in Wales and South West England were left without power this morning as a result of 38 incidents, while thousands more were hit in the North West - including 5,000 in Buxton, Derbyshire, alone.

Seven flood warning have been issued across the South West and North East telling people to take 'immediate action', as well as 20 alerts - including one for the River Thames between Putney and Teddington in London.

Two police forces declared 'major incidents' as the Army was drafted in to help rescue those left trapped in their cars. The South Central Ambulance Service appealed for help from 4x4 owners to move its staff around.

Source: dailymail.co.uk