According to police reports, a motorist has died after a tree blown over by winds of more than 80mph crushed the bus he was driving.
The incident happened as heavy rain and strong winds lashed parts of the country as the remnants of hurricane Katia reached UK shores.
Thousands were left without power by blustery conditions which also caused extensive damage to buildings as well as severe disruption on some roads and rail networks.
Huge waves also hit many coastal areas forcing ferry companies to cancel their scheduled departures. Forecasters recorded the strongest winds of 82mph at Capel Curig in North Wales.
Durham Police said the male driver of a private bus had died on the A688 at Dunhouse Quarry, between Staindrop and Barnard Castle.
A passenger in the vehicle was taken to hospital in Darlington following the incident with non life-threatening injuries.
“The tree has actually come down right on top of the driver. We’re putting it down to strong winds.The tree has now been removed and the road reopened,” said inspector Inspector Paul Etherington, of Durham Police.
Britain sees a storm of this strength around once a year, weather forecasters MeteoGroup said.