The Met Office says that there is a "danger to life" with 'severe' weather warnings for rain and wind for nearly all of UK – and snow forecast in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Several people have been caught in an avalanche on Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, today after heavy snowfall hit Scotland.
There were severe delays to the ferries at the Port of Dover with lorries queuing up due to the bad weather affecting crossings.
The second day of the Cheltenham Festival is under threat with the racecourse due to carry out a morning inspection on Wednesday.
It is feared winds of around 50mph could put temporary structures in danger of being blown over.
Met Office forecaster Bonnie Diamond said an "explosive" cyclone "is seeing the Atlantic storm deepen rapidly."
She added: “We expect structural damage to buildings, trees blown down, large waves on coasts and possible power cuts. People should be aware of warnings.
“Gusts of 70-80mph and possibly 90mph over higher ground are forecast – highest in western Scotland.
“But very windy conditions will also affect the rest of the country – with 55-60mph gusts inland in the north and 35-50 mph in the south, peaking on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.”
John Hammond, chief meteorologist for Weathertrending told The Sun Online: “Cold air is sweeping in from the northwest today and will be with us through Wednesday too.
“The Western Highlands will bear the brunt, with up to 5-10cm on the higher mountains – mostly above road level – for a time today.
“Highest roads and settlements in Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England may see some temporary accumulations of up to 5cm today.
“Snowdonia may see brief accumulations of 2-5cm, but this is most likely above main road level.”
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But major problems look unlikely with Mr Hammond adding: “While the air will feel very cold because of the strong winds, it won’t be as cold as we saw at the weekend, and therefore snow will be more limited. Major disruption looks unlikely.”
Forecasters also said 2in-2.4in (50mm-60mm) of rain was possible over higher ground in Cumbria.
Some of those downpours are expected to contain sleet and wet snow as well as hail in the showers.
Storm Gareth is already causing some travel disruption.
London City Airport is already warning passengers to expect “delays and cancellations” to some flights.
In the West Country the storm has already caused power blackouts and fallen trees blocking roads.
The main trainline through Dawlish, Devon, has been closed.
Highways England said officers were dealing with severe flooding on the northbound entry slip road to Charnock Richard services off the M6 in Lancashire, while a lane was closed on the M6 southbound near junction 33, at Hampson Green in Lancashire, because of a flood.
The Environment Agency said staff had been working through the night in Cumbria and Lancashire to monitor rain and river levels.
It said on Twitter: "We've been out throughout the night clearing grids & removing debris in #Cumbria & #Lancs to reduce flood risk during #stormgareth.
"Rain is falling on already wet catchments, therefore it's important that people do remain vigilant, be prepared & know your risk."
After the rain clears, the storm is expected to bring strong winds, with a chance of damage to buildings, power cuts and travel problems.
The Met Office has predicted the winds will hit Northern Ireland at about 3pm on Tuesday, with a yellow warning for all of England and Wales and some parts of Scotland from 9pm.
The warnings remain in force until Wednesday.
A yellow weather warning for rain is also in place in parts of northern England on Thursday and Friday.
The storm, caused by a deep area of low pressure, was named by Met Eireann, the Irish weather service, and is the third named storm this year after Storm Erik in February and Freya earlier this month.
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