Spain and Portugal have issued warnings of high winds and heavy rain as a storm reaches the Iberian Peninsula from the Atlantic.

Spain's weather service has issued its highest warning level - "red" for extreme risk - for the adverse conditions Sunday generated by Storm Ana. It says the biggest threat to public safety will be the strong winds, which could reach 120 kph (74 mph) in mountainous regions and the country's northwest.

Portugal's weather service has also issued warnings of extreme risk due to high winds for its northern and central areas.

Snow is causing travel disruptions across central England and northern Wales, grounding flights, shutting down roads and causing traffic accidents.

Birmingham and London Stansted Airports suspended flights as runways were cleared. The airports both advised passengers to contact their airlines to check their flight status.

"Please be advised that flight delays and cancellations are expected due to the adverse weather conditions," Stansted warned.

The M1 motorway — the main highway between London and northeast England — was partially closed in Leicestershire.

Police in Wales warned against all but the most essential travel amid persistent snowfall that is forecast to last throughout the day. Strong winds slammed into Welch coast.

The Met Office warned of wind and rain for London and southern England, with gusts of up to 70 mph (110 kph) predicted. Parts of the British capital were coated with snow Sunday morning.