The Environment Agency (EA) has promised a "complete rethink" of flooding preparedness as Storm Frank threatened to bring more misery.
David Cameron defended the funding available for defences as he met people in York taking advantage of a brief respite from the weather to start cleaning up.
But gales and downpours are forecast to sweep back in from this evening, with Cumbria and southern and central Scotland most at risk of more disruption.
Rescue teams wade through flood waters that have inundated homes in the Huntington Road area of York
Most of the nine remaining "severe" flood warnings issued by the EA for England and Wales - meaning potential loss of life - are centred on York, which was inundated on Boxing Day.
The service company KPMG, which is working with organisations across the north as they respond to the flooding, said there was an initial estimate of the cost of the month's events at up to £5.8bn.
The Prime Minister met victims as well as those involved in the emergency response and insisted cash for defences was increasing.
Story continues after slideshow...
UK Flooding
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(01 of101)
People pump water from the Worlds End bar in Dumfries, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(02 of101)
Members of the fire service take a short break as flooding continues in Bandon, Co. Cork, following storm Frank. (credit:Brian Lawless/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(03 of101)
A man wades through floodwater in Dumfries, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Storm Frank Causes More Flooding In The North of England(04 of101)
TADCASTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Members of the Swift Water Rescue Teams from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue use boats to pass a rope across the bridge as British Telecom engineers install a fibre optic cable to establish communications at the site of the collapsed bridge over the River Wharfe in Tadcaster which collapsed after heavy flooding on December 30, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused more flooding in parts of northern England with homes in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many parts. Further severe weather is expected with the approach of Storm Frank. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(05 of101)
A vehicle is driven through flood water in Newton Stewart, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(06 of101)
Rescue workers wade through flood water in Newton Stewart, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(07 of101)
A man stands in a doorway as he looks at flooding in Straiton, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(08 of101)
A local man takes his dog for a walk as flooding continues in Bandon, Co. Cork, following storm Frank. (credit:Brian Lawless/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(09 of101)
People gather at a Chinese take away as flooding continues in Bandon, Co. Cork, following storm Frank. (credit:Brian Lawless/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(10 of101)
A man walks past shop fronts as flooding continues in Bandon, Co. Cork, following storm Frank. (credit:Brian Lawless/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(11 of101)
Water from Ullswater floods across the A592 in Cumbria, following heavy rain, as Storm Frank began to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(12 of101)
Emergency services attend the River Douglas in Croston, Lancashire, after part of its bank collapsed, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Storm Frank Causes More Flooding In The North of England(13 of101)
TADCASTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: The Environmental Minister Elizabeth Truss visits the bridge over the River Wharfe in Tadcaster which collapsed recently after heavy flooding on December 30, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused more flooding in parts of northern England, with homes in Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many parts. With the approach of Storm Frank further bad weather is expected to cause severe disruption. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Storm Frank Causes More Flooding In The North of England(14 of101)
TADCASTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: The Environmental Minister Elizabeth Truss visits the bridge over the River Wharfe in Tadcaster which collapsed recently after heavy flooding on December 30, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused more flooding in parts of northern England, with homes in Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many parts. With the approach of Storm Frank further bad weather is expected to cause severe disruption. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Storm Frank Causes More Flooding In The North of England(15 of101)
TADCASTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Isabelle Scott, 5, from Tadcaster hands out bisuits to emergency service personnel at the site of the collapsed bridge over the River Wharfe in Tadcaster which collapsed after heavy flooding on December 30, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused more flooding in parts of northern England with homes in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many parts. Further severe weather is expected with the approach of Storm Frank. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Storm Frank Causes More Flooding In The North of England(16 of101)
TADCASTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Members of the Swift Water Rescue Teams from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue use boats to pass a rope across the bridge as British Telecom engineers install a fibre optic cable to establish communications at the site of the collapsed bridge over the River Wharfe in Tadcaster which collapsed after heavy flooding on December 30, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused more flooding in parts of northern England with homes in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many parts. Further severe weather is expected with the approach of Storm Frank. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(17 of101)
People watch as waves crash over the Cobb at Lyme Regis, Dorset, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(18 of101)
A man stumbles as he wades through flood water in Straiton, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(19 of101)
A car stranded in flood water in Straiton, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(20 of101)
Flooding in Straiton, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(21 of101)
Flooding in Straiton, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(22 of101)
A person wades through flood water in Straiton, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(23 of101)
A man wades through flood water in Straiton, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(24 of101)
A man stands in a doorway as he looks at flooding in Straiton, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(25 of101)
A man holds a pair of shoes as he wades through flood water in Straiton, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(26 of101)
Emergency services by the bridge in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, which has collapsed following recent flooding, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(27 of101)
Emergency services by the bridge in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, which has collapsed following recent flooding, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(28 of101)
A vehicle is driven through flood water in Newton Stewart, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(29 of101)
A fire officer wades through flood water in Newton Stewart, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(30 of101)
Rescue workers wade through flood water in Newton Stewart, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(31 of101)
People walk past downed trees in Galloway Forest Park, Scotland, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 29th 2015(32 of101)
File photo dated 27/12/15 of a bridge (in foreground, next to white building) in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, which has collapsed. (credit:Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(33 of101)
Emergency services by the bridge in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, which has collapsed following recent flooding, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
Storm Frank Causes More Flooding In The North of England(34 of101)
TADCASTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: A view looking over the collapsed bridge over the River Wharfe that collapsed due to flooding on December 30, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused more flooding in parts of northern England, with homes in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many parts. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Storm Frank Causes More Flooding In The North of England(35 of101)
TADCASTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: A view looking over the collapsed bridge over the River Wharfe that collapsed due to flooding on December 30, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused more flooding in parts of northern England, with homes in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many parts. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Storm Frank Causes More Flooding In The North of England(36 of101)
TADCASTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: The site of the bridge over the River Wharfe which collapsed due to heavy flooding on December 30, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused more flooding in parts of northern England, with homes in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many parts. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Storm Frank Causes More Flooding In The North of England(37 of101)
TADCASTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: A man looks on at the site of the bridge over the River Wharfe which collapsed due to heavy flooding on December 30, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused more flooding in parts of northern England, with homes in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many parts. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Storm Frank Causes More Flooding In The North of England(38 of101)
TADCASTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: A sign for Christmas party bookings is seen on the floor in Tadcaster near the site of the bridge over the River Wharfe which collapsed due to heavy flooding on December 30, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused more flooding in parts of northern England, with homes in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many parts. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Storm Frank Causes More Flooding In The North of England(39 of101)
TADCASTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Flood damaged belongings are stacked outside homes and businesses in Tadcaster near the site of the bridge over the River Wharfe which collapsed due to heavy flooding on December 30, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused more flooding in parts of northern England, with homes in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many parts. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Storm Frank Causes More Flooding In The North of England(40 of101)
TADCASTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Flood damaged belongings are stacked outside homes and businesses in Tadcaster near the site of the bridge over the River Wharfe which collapsed due to heavy flooding on December 30, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused more flooding in parts of northern England, with homes in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many parts. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Winter weather Dec 29th 2015(41 of101)
File photo dated 27/12/15 of a bridge in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, which has collapsed. (credit:Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(42 of101)
The bridge in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, which has collapsed following recent flooding, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(43 of101)
Emergency services by the bridge in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, which has collapsed following recent flooding, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(44 of101)
The bridge in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, which has collapsed following recent flooding, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(45 of101)
A view of the Ulls Water in Glenridding, Ullswater, Cumbria, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(46 of101)
A man stands with his dogs at a flooded road at Ullswater in Glenridding, Cumbria, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(47 of101)
A view of the Ulls Water in Glenridding, Ullswater, Cumbria, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(48 of101)
A view of a flooded road at Ullswater in Glenridding, Cumbria, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 30th 2015(49 of101)
A view of the Ulls Water in Glenridding, Ullswater, Cumbria, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (credit:Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
BRITAIN-WEATHER-FLOOD(50 of101)
A resident returns to a property in a canoe in floodwaters from the rivers Foss and Ouse, after they burst their banks in York, northern England, on December 28, 2015. British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the flood-hit historic city of York on Monday as cities, towns and villages across northern England battled to get back on their feet following devastating storms. Around 500 properties were flooded in York, one of Britain's top tourist attractions, on Sunday as two rivers burst their banks. Some residential streets became so inundated that cars were covered up to their roofs. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-WEATHER-FLOOD(51 of101)
Residents use a canoe to paddle to a property through floodwaters from the rivers Foss and Ouse, after they burst their banks in York, northern England, on December 28, 2015. British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the flood-hit historic city of York on Monday as cities, towns and villages across northern England battled to get back on their feet following devastating storms. Around 500 properties were flooded in York, one of Britain's top tourist attractions, on Sunday as two rivers burst their banks. Some residential streets became so inundated that cars were covered up to their roofs. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-WEATHER-FLOOD(52 of101)
Residents use a canoe to paddle to a property through floodwaters from the rivers Foss and Ouse, after they burst their banks in York, northern England, on December 28, 2015. British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the flood-hit historic city of York on Monday as cities, towns and villages across northern England battled to get back on their feet following devastating storms. Around 500 properties were flooded in York, one of Britain's top tourist attractions, on Sunday as two rivers burst their banks. Some residential streets became so inundated that cars were covered up to their roofs. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(53 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: A volunteer takes a ruined sofa for collection on Tadcaster High Street on December 28, 2015 in Cawood,England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(54 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: Volunteers pour tea for residents along the bank of the River Wharfe on Tadcaster High Street on December 28, 2015 in Tadcaster,England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(55 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: A volunteer collects ruined childrens books from a house along the bank of the River Wharfe on December 28, 2015 in Tadcaster,England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(56 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: Ruined property from Tadcaster business centre is pilled outside for collection on December 28, 2015 in Tadcaster,England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(57 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: Ruined property is pilled on Tadcaster High Street ahead of collection on December 28, 2015 in Cawood,England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(58 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: A sign with the slogan 'Love is all you need' is left outside a house on Tadcaster High Street on December 28, 2015 in Tadcaster,England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part.(Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(59 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: A volunteer takes a ruined table for collection on Tadcaster High Street on December 28, 2015 in Cawood,England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(60 of101)
YORK, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: Rescue teams wade through flood waters that have inundated homes in the Huntington Road area of York after the River Foss burst its banks, on December 28, 2015 in York, United Kingdom. United Kingdom. Severe flooding has affected large parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as rivers burst their banks. More heavy rain is forecast as dozens of severe flood warnings remain in place. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(61 of101)
YORK, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: Rescue teams evacuate residents after the rivers Ouse and Foss burst their banks, on December 28, 2015 in York, United Kingdom. United Kingdom. Severe flooding has affected large parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as rivers burst their banks. More heavy rain is forecast as dozens of severe flood warnings remain in place. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(62 of101)
YORK, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: Rescue teams wade through flood waters that have inundated homes in the Huntington Road area of York after the River Foss burst its banks, on December 28, 2015 in York, United Kingdom. United Kingdom. Severe flooding has affected large parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as rivers burst their banks. More heavy rain is forecast as dozens of severe flood warnings remain in place. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(63 of101)
YORK, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: Rescue teams evacuate residents in the Huntington Road area of York after the River Foss burst its banks, on December 28, 2015 in York, United Kingdom. United Kingdom. Severe flooding has affected large parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as rivers burst their banks. More heavy rain is forecast as dozens of severe flood warnings remain in place. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(64 of101)
YORK, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: A resident watches flood waters recede after the rivers Ouse and Foss burst their banks, on December 28, 2015 in York, United Kingdom. United Kingdom. Severe flooding has affected large parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as rivers burst their banks. More heavy rain is forecast as dozens of severe flood warnings remain in place. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(65 of101)
YORK, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: Rescue teams wade through flood waters that have inundated homes in the Huntington Road area of York after the River Foss burst its banks, on December 28, 2015 in York, United Kingdom. United Kingdom. Severe flooding has affected large parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as rivers burst their banks. More heavy rain is forecast as dozens of severe flood warnings remain in place. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-WEATHER-FLOOD(66 of101)
A man wades through the floodwaters from the rivers Foss and Ouse, after they burst their banks in York, northern England, on December 28, 2015. British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the flood-hit historic city of York on Monday as cities, towns and villages across northern England battled to get back on their feet following devastating storms. Around 500 properties were flooded in York, one of Britain's top tourist attractions, on Sunday as two rivers burst their banks. Some residential streets became so inundated that cars were covered up to their roofs. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(67 of101)
YORK, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: Rescue teams wade through flood waters that have inundated homes in the Huntington Road area of York after the River Foss burst its banks, on December 28, 2015 in York, United Kingdom. United Kingdom. Severe flooding has affected large parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as rivers burst their banks. More heavy rain is forecast as dozens of severe flood warnings remain in place. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(68 of101)
YORK, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: Rescue teams evacuate residents in the Huntington Road area of York after the River Foss burst its banks, on December 28, 2015 in York, United Kingdom. United Kingdom. Severe flooding has affected large parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as rivers burst their banks. More heavy rain is forecast as dozens of severe flood warnings remain in place. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-WEATHER-FLOOD(69 of101)
Workers from a taxi firm enter their premises with a teapot and cups of tea, which they have got from a neighbouring wine bar, through the floodwaters from the rivers Foss and Ouse, after they burst their banks in York, northern England, on December 28, 2015. British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the flood-hit historic city of York on Monday as cities, towns and villages across northern England battled to get back on their feet following devastating storms. Around 500 properties were flooded in York, one of Britain's top tourist attractions, on Sunday as two rivers burst their banks. Some residential streets became so inundated that cars were covered up to their roofs. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-WEATHER-FLOOD(70 of101)
Workers from a taxi firm enter their premises with a teapot and cups of tea, which they have got from a neighbouring wine bar, through the floodwaters from the rivers Foss and Ouse, after they burst their banks in York, northern England, on December 28, 2015. British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the flood-hit historic city of York on Monday as cities, towns and villages across northern England battled to get back on their feet following devastating storms. Around 500 properties were flooded in York, one of Britain's top tourist attractions, on Sunday as two rivers burst their banks. Some residential streets became so inundated that cars were covered up to their roofs. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-WEATHER-FLOOD(71 of101)
Workers from a taxi firm leave a neighbouring wine bar with a teapot and three cups of tea, through the floodwaters from the rivers Foss and Ouse, after they burst their banks in York, northern England, on December 28, 2015. British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the flood-hit historic city of York on Monday as cities, towns and villages across northern England battled to get back on their feet following devastating storms. Around 500 properties were flooded in York, one of Britain's top tourist attractions, on Sunday as two rivers burst their banks. Some residential streets became so inundated that cars were covered up to their roofs. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-WEATHER-FLOOD(72 of101)
Workers from a taxi firm leave via the rear exit of a neighbouring wine bar with a teapot and three cups of tea, through the floodwaters from the rivers Foss and Ouse, after they burst their banks in York, northern England, on December 28, 2015. British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the flood-hit historic city of York on Monday as cities, towns and villages across northern England battled to get back on their feet following devastating storms. Around 500 properties were flooded in York, one of Britain's top tourist attractions, on Sunday as two rivers burst their banks. Some residential streets became so inundated that cars were covered up to their roofs. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT-BRITAIN-WEATHER-FLOOD(73 of101)
TOPSHOT - A woman cleans the inside window of her wine bar, as the floodwaters rise from the rivers Foss and Ouse, after they burst their banks in York, northern England, on December 28, 2015. British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the flood-hit historic city of York on Monday as cities, towns and villages across northern England battled to get back on their feet following devastating storms. Around 500 properties were flooded in York, one of Britain's top tourist attractions, on Sunday as two rivers burst their banks. Some residential streets became so inundated that cars were covered up to their roofs. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT-BRITAIN-WEATHER-FLOOD(74 of101)
TOPSHOT - Workers from a taxi firm leave via the rear exit of a neighbouring wine bar with a teapot and three cups of tea, through the floodwaters from the rivers Foss and Ouse, after they burst their banks in York, northern England, on December 28, 2015. British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the flood-hit historic city of York on Monday as cities, towns and villages across northern England battled to get back on their feet following devastating storms. Around 500 properties were flooded in York, one of Britain's top tourist attractions, on Sunday as two rivers burst their banks. Some residential streets became so inundated that cars were covered up to their roofs. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-WEATHER-FLOOD(75 of101)
A man inspects the office of a taxi firm which has filled with floodwater from the rivers Foss and Ouse, after they burst their banks in York, northern England, on December 28, 2015. British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the flood-hit historic city of York on Monday as cities, towns and villages across northern England battled to get back on their feet following devastating storms. Around 500 properties were flooded in York, one of Britain's top tourist attractions, on Sunday as two rivers burst their banks. Some residential streets became so inundated that cars were covered up to their roofs. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-WEATHER-FLOOD(76 of101)
A man inspects the office of a taxi firm which has filled with floodwater from the rivers Foss and Ouse, after they burst their banks in York, northern England, on December 28, 2015. British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the flood-hit historic city of York on Monday as cities, towns and villages across northern England battled to get back on their feet following devastating storms. Around 500 properties were flooded in York, one of Britain's top tourist attractions, on Sunday as two rivers burst their banks. Some residential streets became so inundated that cars were covered up to their roofs. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-WEATHER-FLOOD(77 of101)
Men inspect the office of a taxi firm which has filled with floodwater from the rivers Foss and Ouse, after they burst their banks in York, northern England, on December 28, 2015. British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the flood-hit historic city of York on Monday as cities, towns and villages across northern England battled to get back on their feet following devastating storms. Around 500 properties were flooded in York, one of Britain's top tourist attractions, on Sunday as two rivers burst their banks. Some residential streets became so inundated that cars were covered up to their roofs. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-WEATHER-FLOOD(78 of101)
A man inspects the office of a taxi firm which has filled with floodwater from the rivers Foss and Ouse, after they burst their banks in York, northern England, on December 28, 2015. British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the flood-hit historic city of York on Monday as cities, towns and villages across northern England battled to get back on their feet following devastating storms. Around 500 properties were flooded in York, one of Britain's top tourist attractions, on Sunday as two rivers burst their banks. Some residential streets became so inundated that cars were covered up to their roofs. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(79 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: Ruined property from Tadcaster business centre is pilled outside for collection on December 28, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(80 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: A volunteer pushes the remaining water down the drains on Tadcaster High Street on December 28, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(81 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: A volunteer takes a ruined Christmas Tree for collection on Tadcaster High Street on December 28, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(82 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: A volunteer takes ruined property for collection on Tadcaster High Street on December 28, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(83 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: Ruined property from Tadcaster business centre is pilled outside for collection on December 28, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(84 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: A volunteer takes a ruined television for collection on Tadcaster High Street on December 28, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(85 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: Volunteers help to clean The Works beauty salon on December 28, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(86 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: A volunteer takes damaged property for collection on Tadcaster High Street on December 28, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(87 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: Ruined property from Tadcaster business centre is pilled outside for collection on December 28, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(88 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: Volunteers take damaged furniture for collection on Tadcaster High Street on December 28, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Severe Flooding Affects Northern England(89 of101)
TADCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 28: A volunteer mops the floor of William Hill bookmakers on Tadcaster High Street on December 28, 2015 in Tadcaster, England. Heavy rain over the Christmas period has caused severe flooding in parts of northern England, with homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire evacuated as water levels continue to rise in many part. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Winter weather Dec 28th 2015(90 of101)
Prime Minister David Cameron (left) talks to Chris Wardle, 46, whose first-floor flat on Skeldergate, a road in York city centre repeatedly hit by flooding, was surrounded by water. Mr Cameron defended funding for flood prevention during a visit to York after towns and cities across the north of England were inundated over Christmas. (credit:Ryan Wilkinson/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 28th 2015(91 of101)
NOTE ALTERNATE CROP Prime Minister David Cameron greets soldiers working on flood relief in York city centre after the river Ouse burst its banks, in North Yorlshire. (credit:Darren Staples/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 28th 2015(92 of101)
Hair 21 salon owner Ian Hargreaves outside his shop in the Lancashire village of Croston, as David Cameron defended funding for flood prevention as he visited York to see recovery efforts after towns and cities across the north of England were inundated over Christmas. (credit:Lauren Brown/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 28th 2015(93 of101)
The clear up continues in the Lancashire village of Croston, as David Cameron defended funding for flood prevention as he visited York to see recovery efforts after towns and cities across the north of England were inundated over Christmas. (credit:Lauren Brown/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 28th 2015(94 of101)
The clear up continues in the Lancashire village of Croston, as David Cameron defended funding for flood prevention as he visited York to see recovery efforts after towns and cities across the north of England were inundated over Christmas. (credit:Lauren Brown/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 28th 2015(95 of101)
Road closures in the Lancashire village of Croston, as David Cameron defended funding for flood prevention as he visited York to see recovery efforts after towns and cities across the north of England were inundated over Christmas. (credit:Lauren Brown/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 28th 2015(96 of101)
A family is rescued from the centre of York by boat, as swamped towns and cities continue to struggle against the Christmas floods. (credit:Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 28th 2015(97 of101)
Businesses continue the clean up in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire after the weekend's flooding. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 28th 2015(98 of101)
The swollen River Ouse from Bridge Street in York, as swamped towns and cities continue to struggle against the Christmas floods. (credit:Jane Kirby/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 28th 2015(99 of101)
Businesses continue the clean up in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire after the weekend's flooding. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 28th 2015(100 of101)
Flooded riverside properties in Kings Street, York, as swamped towns and cities continue to struggle against the Christmas floods. (credit:Jane Kirby/PA Wire)
Winter weather Dec 27th 2015(101 of101)
An elderly resident is rescued by members of a Mountain Rescue team in Huntington Road in York, after the River Foss and Ouse burst their banks. (credit:Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire)
He dismissed a complaint from the council leader in flood-hit Leeds the North was being neglected, claiming it got more per head than the South.
But he conceded the regularity with which homes were now being flooded made a review of what was being spent where a vital exercise.
The Government has ordered a major review of flood prevention strategy after the latest incident saw 500 troops deployed to help clean up after thousands were evacuated and many left without power.
EA deputy chief executive David Rooke said it would have to look at ways to flood-proof homes as well as traditional defences as the UK was "moving into a period of unknown extremes".
"We will need to have that complete rethink and ... move from not just providing better defences - and we have a £2.3 billion programme to do that over the next six years - but looking at increasing resilience," he told the BBC.
That would include solid floors, waterproof plaster, electrics moved up the walls and better early-warning systems, he suggested.
Mr Cameron said: "We need to sit down and look at what we are planning to build, what we are planning to spend and see if more can be done.
"You don't just protect people, of course, through the flood defences, although they are important, and of course while some flood defences haven't worked this time, many flood defences have worked and protected thousands of homes."
He declined to comment on calls by the GMB union for a halt to staff reductions at the Agency it says will undermine its ability to launch out-of-hours responses to floods.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell called for an independent assessment of spending on flood defences.
"Serious concerns have been voiced today at the Government's cuts in flood defence spending since 2010. David Cameron is in danger of losing the confidence of council leaders and local communities hit by the floods," he said.
"In order to restore confidence in government action, I propose that a prompt independent assessment is made of the future flood defence investment programme, led by independent experts, including local council leaders drawn from the affected areas."
"As Labour has already said, it is becoming increasingly clear that we need a cross-party approach to identify the resources required for future flood defences. And we must ensure that any investment programme remains secure beyond the life of one Parliament."
Green Party leader Natalie Bennett said the PM's response was "wholly inadequate" and showed he had not "grasped the reality of the climate change we're already experiencing".
She joined Committee on Climate Change chairman Lord Deben in calling for urgent action to prevent housing being built in flood-risk areas.
The Met Office said rain overnight would be much lighter than the recent downpours but Storm Frank - the sixth of the season - would arrive by the next evening.
It has issued amber warnings with up to 40mm of persistent rain expected widely across Northern Ireland, west and south-west Scotland, Wales and north-west England - flooded by Storm Desmond - by Wednesday.
Twice that is possible - 80mm - over high ground, with some exposed areas in south-west Scotland and Cumbria warned they could be hit by 100-150mm.
It said the conditions were "not unusual for this time of year" and was comparable with the storms of the winter of 2013-14.
Met Office chief meteorologist Will Lang said: "Everyone should be aware of the potential for disruption in places from further flooding and the impacts of the gales to transport."
Justin Balcombe, KPMG'S UK head of general insurance management consulting, said: "The scale of the flooding over the last few weeks has seen communities across large sections of northern England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland severely impacted.
"In 2007 when a similar pattern of flooding hit, total insured claims were £3.2bn, however, we consider that the actual financial impact far exceeded this. We are assessing this month's events through a number of economic lenses, resulting in an initial total cost estimate of £5-£5.8bn."
This broke down into costs to different sectors such as the insurance sector, businesses, individuals, communities and government.
Costs will include insured losses of up to £1.5bn - the estimated cost of claims to be made by insured homeowners and businesses.
Meanwhile the cost of under insurance was likely to be £1bn. The limits on many insurance policies mean they are inadequate for covering the full loss. This is driven in part by homeowners still feeling the effects of the recession and reducing insurance premium spend and coverage.
In addition, given the post-Christmas timing, homeowners will have indirectly increased their contents values with presents and food, and while several policies provide for such an uplift, many do not.
Fire crews in Pickering, North Yorkshire, used a ladder and drag sheets to rescue a dog which had been in a swollen river for more than four hours.
In West Yorkshire, motorists have been warned "in the strongest possible terms" that they are risking their lives by ignoring closed signs and using a bridge which has been declared structurally unsafe due to the flooding.
Leeds City Council took the decision to close Linton Bridge, which carries traffic between the villages of Collingham and Linton, north of Leeds, when flooding of the River Wharfe made it structurally unsafe.
But drivers have been manoeuvring their way around temporary safety barriers.
The council said it would now fence off the structure.
Council leader Judith Blake said: "I would urge people to in the strongest possible terms to stay away from the bridge. No journey is worth risking your life for."