A significant number of trees were lost at Kew Gardens in the worst storm to hit the area since 1987.

The Royal Botanical Gardens were closed throughout Monday, which is standard procedure during high winds.

In September last year, 31-year-old New Zealander Erena Wilson died on the grounds after being hit by the falling branch of a 200-year-old Lebanese cedar.

A Kew Gardens spokesman said: “Early indications are that we have lost between 10 and 15 mature trees, and a number of others have suffered loss of limbs or smaller branches.

“A dedicated team is assessing the site and we expect to be able to give an update on the full extent of the damage by the end of the day.”

Whole trees and smaller branches have been blown over across the Richmond area.

Commuters faced travel chaos after South West Trains cancelled services before noon.

Trains are currently running through Richmond and Twickenham but many services have been severely delayed or cancelled.

Royal Parks’ Bushy Park and Richmond Park were closed this morning but have both since re-opened most areas.