Storm Lilian live: Manchester Pride issue statement as 80mph winds disrupt flights and cause power cuts

Manchester Pride organisers are closely monitoring Storm Lilian as it sweeps across the region but currently expect the event to proceed as scheduled.

The storm, hitting Greater Manchester this morning, has brought heavy rain and strong winds of up to 60mph, causing significant damage.

Leeds Festival has also been thrown into chaos as gusts delayed start and the closure of several stages due to severe weather conditions and revellers have been advised to secure their tents and stay inside their cars.

The Met Office said gusts of 80mph will continue to cause travel disruption , flooding, power cuts and dangerous conditions near coastal areas.

Thousands of homes have been plunged into darkness as Storm Lilian continues to wreak havoc across parts of Britain, disrupting Bank Holiday plans and causing widespread power outages.

The storm unleashed travel chaos after British Airways was forced to cancel international and domestic flights at Heathrow Airport.

Forecasters has issued two yellow weather warnings for rain in south-west Scotland and the Aberdeenshire coast from 9pm on Thursday to 9am on Friday.