- Environment Agency issues 340 flood warnings or alerts - including one severe warning in Dorset
- Met Office issues 'be aware' yellow warning for wind as gusts of 70mph are expected in South-West
- Heavy rain falls across much of Britain last night, with up to 1.6in expected on higher ground today
- Forecasters warn of 'exceptionally high waves' and say 0.4in of rain could fall in less than an hour
- Surfers fly in from US to follow deep depression across the Atlantic dubbed Winter Storm Hercules
- Three deaths: Man falls into Oxford river, man swept out to sea in Cornwall, woman killed in Devon
- Wave-watchers still risking their lives to stand in dangerous locations, defying guidance from police
- Iconic natural rock formation in Cornwall shaped like giant doughnut is knocked down by 30ft waves
- 100 residents trapped in Muchelney, Somerset, after floods left all the access roads under 3ft of water
Britain was again being battered by strong winds and 50ft waves today, as forecasters revealed last month was the stormiest December since 1969.
The Environment Agency has issued 340 flood warnings or alerts - including one severe warning in Dorset, where there is ‘significant risk to life'.
The Met Office issued a ‘be aware’ yellow warning for wind as gusts of up to 70mph are expected on the west and south-west coast of Britain today.
Forecasters said this will cause ‘exceptionally high waves’. Heavy rain fell across much of Britain last night, with up to 1.6in expected on higher ground.
Surfers have reportedly flown in from the US to follow a deep depression across the Atlantic dubbed Winter Storm Hercules, hoping to catch big waves.
And other thrill-seekers were still risking their lives to storm-watch, defying guidance from police and the EA to stay away from dangerous coastlines.
Spray: Storm-driven waves batter the sea front at the Welsh coastal town of Aberystwyth. Strong winds and large waves caused further coastal flooding
Obscuring the promenade: Waves crash against the Aberystwyth coastline as strong winds and high tides continue to blow in from the west
Stay away from the seafront: Waves crash against the promenade in Aberystwyth, Wales, as strong winds and high tides continue in western Britain
Astonishing: People photograph enormous waves as they break on Porthcawl, South Wales, where very strong winds and high seas create dangerous conditions
Danger: People were still gathering to watch enormous waves as they break on Porthcawl, defying guidance from police and the Environment Agency
Splash: Porthleven in Cornwall today. Britain was again being battered by strong winds and large waves today as coastal communities braced for further flooding
Huge: Colossal waves batter the Cornish coast at Porthleven. Officials around the country have pleaded with people to keep away from the storm-hit coasts
Destruction: The 18th century pier at Portreath minus its 'monkey house' - a small stone hut - which was washed away by the massive Atlantic breakers this morning
Ahead of the storm: How the monkey hut appeared last year before today's swell hit the harbour in Cornwall
Residents and shop owners on the seafront of Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, were being told to leave their properties because of fears over more flooding.
Waves of 27ft have been recorded at Land's End and the storm was causing disruption for many people returning to work after the Christmas break.
The transport network has been hit, with roads closed and trains delayed or cancelled in many parts of the South, including Hampshire, Kent and Surrey.
There were no trains between Romsey and Redbridge in Hampshire due to flooding, and First Great Western warned that there was a risk to services.
The Thames Barrier was in operation to protect those along the river. In Oxford a man died when his mobility scooter fell from a flooded path into a river.
Police were called to Osney Lock in the city at 6.30pm on Saturday after receiving a report that the 47-year-old man had fallen into the river.
A police spokesman said the man's death was being treated as unexplained but was not believed to be suspicious. His next-of-kin has been informed.
Foreacst: The Met Office issued a 'be aware' yellow warning for wind as gusts of up to 70mph are expected on the west and south-west coast of Britain today
Get ready: This Magic Seaweed map shows the height in feet of the waves approaching Britain from the Atlantic, with the highest heights in black
Watch out: The Environment Agency has issued 340 flood warnings or alerts - including one severe warning in Dorset, where there is 'significant risk to life'
Graphic: Ongoing flooding is expected on the Somerset Levels and rivers in the South East, including the Severn, remain 'very high' after recent rainfall
Pouring in: Flood water smashes through a wall in Langport, Somerset, as much of the UK continues to endure bad weather and flooding
Not open for business: Stormy weather at Caswell Bay in Swansea, South Wales, as Britain is battered by high waves and strong winds
Severe weather: Porthleven in Cornwall. Coastal areas are likely to suffer further aggravation from gusts of wind expected to reach 60mph to 70mph
Looking out: Wave watchers get to close as the water covers the road in Porthleven. The Environment Agency said the risk of flooding continued this week
Submerged: A row of residential homes is surrounded by flood water in the town of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, as roads turn into rivers
The EA urged those in Dorset and Oxfordshire to watch out for ‘significant flooding’ in the lower reaches of the Thames, Dorset Stour and Frome rivers.
‘We have Brazilians in Portugal, a South African and Hawaiian team in France, and Portuguese and German chargers in Ireland who have all arrived to surf the swell of the season.
'The biggest rideable swell will be at Nazare in Portugal, but some of the coldest and most dangerous will be in Ireland. The Basque Country will be really good as well for a select paddle crew.
‘Despite the media coverage big wave surfing gets these days it is still an incredibly dangerous and frequently deadly sport performed by true professionals who dedicate their lives to surviving the horrific forces wiping out and long periods being held down under water.’
Ongoing flooding is expected on the Somerset Levels and rivers in the South East, including the Severn, remain ‘very high’ after recent rainfall.
Jonathan Day, flood risk manager at the EA, warned that the risk of flooding continued this week. He said: ‘Although high tides are now falling, there remains a risk of coastal flooding, especially on the south and west coasts.
‘In addition, wet conditions have left the ground saturated in many areas, increasing the risk of river and surface water flooding.
‘We would urge people to be prepared by checking their flood risk, signing up to free flood warnings and keeping an eye on the latest flood updates.
Wave heights off the UK today: Pink and grey show the swells are peaking at 50ft
David Cameron pledged that lessons will be learned from the flooding and insisted that the EA has been given the funding to protect frontline services.
Already destroyed: At either side of the high tide at 11.20am today, a deep depression drives a huge ground swell of waves to crash into the promenade at Aberystwyth
Evacuation ordered: Large waves crash over the promenade at high tide in Aberystwyth, Mid Wales
Protection: As the River Avon rose, people in one Bristol street hoped a new piece of council equipment would stop floodwater pouring into their homes
Doing its job: A 4ft emergency barrier was all that stood between the people of Avon Crescent and the rising river in Bristol
From above: An aerial view of flooding on the lower River Arun floodplain in Sussex, which was taken by the Environment Agency Geomatics team
Choppy: Waves batter the coast in Newquay, Cornwall, as strong winds hit exposed coasts and combine with large waves to bring a risk of coastal flooding
No-go area: Flood water from the River Wey fills a field in Guildford, Surrey. Environment Agency flood warnings are in place for parts of the UK today
No play today: Strong winds and more rain sustain flooding around the Worcestershire County Cricket Club's ground in Worcester
Damaged: The Worcestershire County Cricket Club ground was covered in floodwater today as the South-West was battered by severe weather conditions
When to expect them: This map shows some of the high tide times for Wales and the South-West today, including Newquay and Aberystwyth
Mr Cameron added: ‘I think we're doing a lot more things better. I think flood warnings are better, I think the flood defences have protected tens of thousands of homes but there will always be lessons to learn and I'll make sure they are learned.’
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson chaired a meeting of the Government's Cobra emergency committee yesterday.
He said: ‘Surface water flooding remains likely in some parts of the UK and the Government remains ready to respond and continue to help communities.
‘When clean-up operations are able to begin, then assistance will be provided.’
The Rail Delivery Group, which speaks on behalf of the rail industry, apologised for passengers' delays because of the weather but said 96 per cent of scheduled services were operating.
‘Although some parts of the rail network have been affected by localised flooding and other weather-related damage, 96 per cent of scheduled services are running and more than eight out of 10 trains are arriving as planned,’ a spokesman said.
Troubled area: The River Cerne breaks its banks and floods the church yard at St Mary's Church in Charminster, near Dorchester, Dorset
Trying to make it through: A 4x4 Land Rover splashes through the swollen ford at Brockenhurst in the New Forest, Hampshire, as flooding hits the South
Forceful: A huge wave hits the harbour wall at Porthleven, clearing the houses. The EA estimates about 220 properties have been flooded so far
Crash: Porthleven in Cornwall today. The Met Office said bands of heavy showers would continue to move eastwards across parts of the UK
Carrying on: Road flooding alongside Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey. Prime Minister David Cameron pledged that lessons will be learned from the flooding
Floods and storms: A swan swims on flood water surrounding Tewkesbury Abbey (left) in Gloucestershire, while a dog walker braves the conditions in Porthleven (right)
‘Nevertheless, we apologise to passengers whose journeys have been affected by bad weather. Rail staff will continue to do all they can to get services safely back up and running.’WOMAN CLINGS TO RIVER BANK FOR 40 MINUTES AFTER FALLING IN AS SHE RESCUED HER DOG BAILEY
A woman was left desperately clinging to the edge of a river bank for 40 minutes as she waited for emergency services to pull her out.
Christine Mullis, 26, lost her balance and toppled into the water seconds after lifting her two-year-old English springer spaniel Bailey from the muddy river bank of the River Yeo in Yeovil, Somerset, where he was trapped.
She said: ‘My mum and I took Bailey for a walk by the river and we hadn’t gone far down the path when he went into the water. I noticed that he was struggling to get up out of the mud.
‘He was getting tired and panting and I thought, we have to get him out of there. My mum and I strung two leads together to try and get him but when we finally managed it I lost my footing and fell into the river myself.
‘I was clinging onto the edge of the river bank, submerged in cold water up to my chest. You get that horrible feeling and thoughts go through your mind like: “Is this the last thing I’m ever going to do”?’
Miss Mullis was eventually helped out and taken by paramedics to Yeovil District Hospital.
Christine Mullis, 26, lost her balance and toppled into the water seconds after lifting her two-year-old English springer spaniel Bailey from the muddy river bank of the River Yeo in Yeovil, Somerset, where he was trapped.
She said: ‘My mum and I took Bailey for a walk by the river and we hadn’t gone far down the path when he went into the water. I noticed that he was struggling to get up out of the mud.
‘He was getting tired and panting and I thought, we have to get him out of there. My mum and I strung two leads together to try and get him but when we finally managed it I lost my footing and fell into the river myself.
‘I was clinging onto the edge of the river bank, submerged in cold water up to my chest. You get that horrible feeling and thoughts go through your mind like: “Is this the last thing I’m ever going to do”?’
Miss Mullis was eventually helped out and taken by paramedics to Yeovil District Hospital.
Two people have already died in the storms. A 27-year-old man from Surrey was found on Porthleven Sands beach in Cornwall after he was swept out to sea on New Year's Eve night and a woman died after being rescued from the sea in Croyde Bay, north Devon.
Officials around the country have pleaded with people to keep away as dozens put their lives at risk by going to coastal areas to watch as the storm brought waves of up to 40ft (12.2m) high crashing on to land.
A man and child were almost swept away by a huge wave at Mullion Cove in Cornwall as they peered over the sea wall to watch the raging sea and elsewhere in Cornwall vehicles driving on a coastal road were swamped and almost washed away by a tidal surge.
Police pulled a man from the sea who had been drinking at Towan Beach, Newquay, after he had ignored warnings about the fierce storms.
In Aberystwyth, a man was rescued by lifeboat after he became trapped when photographing waves from a harbour jetty.
The coastal surge in recent days has tested more than 1,864 miles (3,000km) of flood defences in England and more than 205,000 properties have been protected, according to the EA.
Northern Ireland has largely escaped any serious flooding or damage but, amid fears of changeable conditions, police announced plans to hand out sandbags in a number of towns close to the Co Down coast, which they believe could be vulnerable to the high tides, wind and rain.
Meanwhile, police in Dorset were warning that the potential for flooding in the county was ‘critical’ with more rain forecast.
The Met Office issued a ‘be prepared’ amber weather warning for the county and forecast a significant weather front moving across the area which is expected to cause more disruption.
The EA gave a severe weather warning for Iford Bridge home park near Christchurch, Dorset.
The weather is likely to improve as the week goes on, the Met Office said, but coastal areas are likely to suffer further aggravation from gusts of wind expected to reach 60mph to 70mph.
Capturing the moment: A man photographs the massive waves hitting the coast at Sennen Cove, Cornwall, as Britain was again battered by strong winds
Where does the road end and the water begin? Flooding at Emsworth in Hampshire at high tide. Pictured is the South Street car park
Looking at the damage: The weather brought the sea into Langstone High Street in Havant, near Portsmouth, Hampshire
Preventative measure: Homes were protected against the flooding by sandbags on Langstone High Street in Havant, which lies just north of Hayling Island
Like a painting: A storm approaches the seafront at Falmouth, Cornwall, just after sunset last night
Dorset Police said the A354 Blandford to Salisbury road was already closed.TRADE UNION: STORMS SHOW THE NEED TO RETAIN COASTGUARDS
A trade union said today that the recent storms show the need to retain Coastguard services.
The Public and Commercial Services union said three Coastguard stations have already closed and five others - Swansea, Liverpool, Walton on the Naze, Brixham and Portland - are earmarked for closure.
The union is warning that lives could be lost as resources were already thinly stretched before the bad weather set in.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: ‘Ministers must put an immediate halt to their station closure plans that we continue to believe will put lives at risk.’
The Public and Commercial Services union said three Coastguard stations have already closed and five others - Swansea, Liverpool, Walton on the Naze, Brixham and Portland - are earmarked for closure.
The union is warning that lives could be lost as resources were already thinly stretched before the bad weather set in.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: ‘Ministers must put an immediate halt to their station closure plans that we continue to believe will put lives at risk.’
‘Motorists are reminded to take extra care and are strongly advised not make unnecessary journeys - there will be significant standing water in many carriageways.’
The Met Office said bands of heavy showers would continue to move eastwards across parts of the UK today.
These are likely to be most frequent across south and west Scotland, north-west England and North Wales and will be accompanied by squally winds along with hail and thunder.
Some 0.2in (5mm) to 0.4in (10mm) of rain could fall in less than an hour, with locally 0.6in (15mm) to 1in (25mm) of rain through today and perhaps as much as 1.6in (40mm) on high ground, forecasters say.
‘The public should be aware of the potential for localised flooding leading to difficult driving conditions, with hail providing an additional hazard,’ a Met Office spokesman said.
Yesterday, a homeowner was rescued after 13 days stranded in her flooded property.
Anne-Marie Simpson had been cut off since a river near her property at North Curry on the Somerset Levels burst its banks when an initial wave of storms swept Britain on December 23.
She moved upstairs, stockpiled dry food and decided to "wait it out" until the water level receded but after the situation worsened, members of the Burnham Area Rescue Boat rescued Mrs Simpson and her dog Elvis.
One of the rainiest places in the country is Otterbourne, near Winchester, Hampshire, which has so far had 3.7in (94.6mm) in the first five days of 2014.
'Giant doughnut' rock on Cornish coast is knocked down by 30ft waves
An iconic natural rock formation shaped like a giant doughnut has been knocked down by 30ft waves.Porthcothan Bay is famed for its picture-postcard beach and caves - but its massive stone archway has now collapsed into the sea.
The towering outcrop once resembled a giant rocky doughnut, however it now looks like someone has taken a huge bite out of it.
Gone: The site of the rock arch at Porthcothan Bay which has been destroyed by the recent storms (left). It is also pictured (right) last year before it vanished
Local residents say their idyllic beach, nestled between Falmouth and Padstow on the North Cornwall coast, will never be the same.Porthcothan Bay was one of numerous Cornish harbours and coastal towns lashed by 30ft waves and 70mph winds over the weekend.
Resident Tamsin Swindells, 39, said locals were devastated by the loss of the stone archway, known locally as The Anchor or Jan Leverton's Rock.
She said: ‘People used to climb up it and jump off the archway in the summer. It was probably going to collapse eventually because of erosion.
Destroyed: Porthcothan Bay is famed for its picture-postcard beach and caves - but the ferocious storms battered the massive stone archway
‘It's just a pile of rocky rubble now - it looks like a demolition site. The beach just won't be the same without it; it's completely changed.
‘It's a real shame but the cliff-face is the ultimate canvas for Mother Nature and she'll no doubt carve all kinds of arches and shapes in the future.’
Village residents trapped after floods leave access roads under 3ft of water
More than 100 residents were today trapped in their village after floods have left all access roads under 3ft of water.The Somerset village of Muchelney, which lies between Taunton and Yeovil, has been cut off for four days after the roads flooded.
Residents can now only able to leave the village by boat - with the water so deep that not even a tractor can make it through.
There is no way out: Surrounded by flood water, the Somerset village of Muchelney near Lanngport has become an island
Rising: The village is pictured here on January 2. Residents can now only leave by boat - with the water so deep that not even a tractor can make it through
Many of the villagers were able to get essential supplies today after a boat travelled to meet a Tesco delivery that had been ordered.
Muchelney - which aptly means 'Big Island' in Saxon - was devastated last year after suffering the worst floods in 90 years.
It is thought the residents may remain trapped for a further two weeks - if the weather reports predicting more rain are accurate.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: ‘We've been completely cut off. We're not able to get out at the moment.
Trying to get through: A Nissan 4x4 drives though flood water close to the village of Muchelney that has been cut off by flooding, near Langport in Somerset
Looking out: The Somerset village of Muchelney, which lies between Taunton and Yeovil, has been cut off for four days after the roads flooded
‘There has also been a boat service arranged for children who need to get to school - at the moment it's so deep you can only see the tip of car aerials.
‘It looks like it's going to be at least another two weeks until we're able to start using the roads again, and that depends on how the weather is in that time.
‘It's tragic that many of the people who have just returned home following last year's flood have been flooded again.'
The village, next to the River Parrett, has an average house price of £325,000. The English Heritage property Muchelney Abbey is also located there.
HUNT CONTINUES FOR MISSING STUDENT LAST SEEN LEAVING HOME TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE WEATHER
Searches are continuing for a missing 18-year-old university student, who was last seen leaving his home to take photographs of the weather.
More than 100 people have volunteered to look for Harry Martin.
Devon and Cornwall Police said a 20-mile stretch of coastline - 10 miles either side of the 18-year-old's home at Newton Ferrers in south Devon - has been extensively searched as well as inland areas with the help of a range of groups and emergency services.
Police have worked with the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the Urban Search and Rescue Group, Dartmoor Rescue Group, Coastguard, the inshore and offshore lifeboats, the search and rescue helicopter from RMB Chivenor but are yet to find Mr Martin.
A police spokesman said: ‘Specially-trained police officers as well as search advisers and a lost person search manager have been appointed to help co-ordinate activities across the known areas.
‘This provides us with the ability to target our resources to key areas and we have carried out structured searches based on the information we have available.
‘Officers have also been providing support to Harry's family. Anyone who has seen Harry or knows of his whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.’
He is described as 5ft 11ins tall, of slim build with short dark hair, a light beard and blue eyes. Mr Martin was thought to be wearing pink-coloured skinny jeans and a grey hooded jumper.
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| Searching: More than 100 people have volunteered to look for Harry Martin |
More than 100 people have volunteered to look for Harry Martin.
Devon and Cornwall Police said a 20-mile stretch of coastline - 10 miles either side of the 18-year-old's home at Newton Ferrers in south Devon - has been extensively searched as well as inland areas with the help of a range of groups and emergency services.
Police have worked with the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the Urban Search and Rescue Group, Dartmoor Rescue Group, Coastguard, the inshore and offshore lifeboats, the search and rescue helicopter from RMB Chivenor but are yet to find Mr Martin.
A police spokesman said: ‘Specially-trained police officers as well as search advisers and a lost person search manager have been appointed to help co-ordinate activities across the known areas.
‘This provides us with the ability to target our resources to key areas and we have carried out structured searches based on the information we have available.
‘Officers have also been providing support to Harry's family. Anyone who has seen Harry or knows of his whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.’
He is described as 5ft 11ins tall, of slim build with short dark hair, a light beard and blue eyes. Mr Martin was thought to be wearing pink-coloured skinny jeans and a grey hooded jumper.
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