UK Weather: Britain Braced For Further Flooding

Bring Your Brolly: Britain Braced For Further Flooding
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Fresh floods and heavy rain has prompted train cancellations across the country, with fire-fighters saying they are inundated with requests from those needing to be rescued.

A father and a daughter were among six people who needed to be saved from cars in Fareham, Brockenhurst, Ringwood, Wallington and Waterlooville, after their porsche got submerged in water, reports the BBC.

In the riverside town of Bewdley in Worcestershire, on the banks of the Severn, flood defences were put up, and at Upton-upon-Severn existing flood barriers were being monitored with the river predicted to keep rising.

The Environment Agency (EA) said large swathes of southern and south-western England, south-east Wales and the Midlands were potentially under threat.

Flood warnings are in place in the South West, the South East and East Anglia, the EA said.

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Fire fighters prepare to pump water from a beck in November, when the UK was faced with flooding

River levels on the River Cober in Helston, Cornwall, are high after persistent rain yesterday, while the Dolphins River Park in Charmouth, west Dorset, is under threat from the River Char.

The River Wey in Weymouth, Dorset, is rising, the EA said, and the Somerset Levels also face risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall of up to 20mm over last night on already saturated ground.

Forecasters said the heavy rain would ease off in the South West on Thursday evening and it would be dry Friday, but warned the weather across the whole country is likely to remain unsettled for up to seven days.

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A car makes its way along a flooded road in Seaham as parts of the UK are braced for further flooding

Andy Ratcliffe, a forecaster for MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "Tomorrow it will largely be dry in the South West, but by the evening the next band of rain will move in.

"That will stay throughout the weekend and into next week."

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Waves crash into the sea wall at Seaham Harbour as parts of the UK are braced for further flooding

Areas of England and Wales were last month engulfed by flood water that surged through streets and down roads, cutting off whole communities and forcing dozens to flee their homes.

Rivers burst their banks and fields were flooded as several days' rain fell in just a few hours.

With the possibility of more flooding on the way, people are being urged to keep up to date with the latest information from the EA's website, sign up to free flood warnings, check their route for disruption before travelling, and not to drive or walk through floodwater.

Craig Woolhouse, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Our teams are out around the clock to minimise the risks and prepare for flooding, clearing drainage channels and ensuring that flood defences are working properly.

"We urge people to keep up to date with the weather forecast and local news overnight and remain prepared for flooding in their area by signing up to receive free flood warnings and staying away from dangerous flood water."

Those in areas at risk should check the Environment Agency website for the latest information: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood and sign up for free flood warnings on the Environment Agency's website, or by calling the Environment Agency Flood Line on 0845 988 1188.

But there has been no repeat of the scenes of late November, when dozens of people had to be evacuated from their homes as floodwater surged down narrow streets and floodplains saturated, causing millions of pounds of damage.

A police spokesman said: "Thankfully we are not experiencing the level of flooding we saw a few weeks ago.

"There aren't reports of widespread flooding to residential properties.

"It seems that a lot of motorists have learned the lessons from last time, too. People are taking greater care on the roads."

Cornwall Council said more than 100 members of its staff were involved in dealing with flood-related calls overnight Wednesday and throughout Thursday.

The majority of them related to surface water flooding on some roads.

A council spokesman said a man became trapped after driving over a humpback bridge crossing the Bude Canal in north Cornwall.

He said: "The man managed to get out of his car but, as he was surrounded by fast-flowing and rising water, he called the fire service for help. When firefighters arrived on the scene, the swift water rescue team reached the man and escorted him to safety."

In a warning ahead of further expected disruption, he added: "Members of the public are being advised to avoid driving though roads which have been flooded, as this could not only be dangerous for drivers, but could also create waves which could push floodwater into people's homes and businesses."

Frost Covers The UK
Freezing Fog And Frost Hit The UK(01 of35)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 12: The early morning frost clings to a cobweb in Regents Park on December 12, 2012 in London, England. Forecasters have warned that the UK could experience the coldest day of the year so far today, with temperatures dropping as low as -14C, bringing widespread ice, harsh frosts and freezing fog. Travel disruption is expected with warnings for heavy snow in some parts of the country. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Winter weather December 12th(02 of35)
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British Airways planes wait to depart from Terminal 5 at Heathrow, London, as airports have been forced to cancel dozens of flights as ice and thick fog descended on the UK overnight. (credit:PA)
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Frozen berries on a tree in South Derbyshire. Freezing fog played havoc with travel today, with flights cancelled, roads jammed and delays on main line rail and Tube services. (credit:PA)
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A British Airways takes off as thick fog leads to cancelled flights at Heathrow Airport. (credit:PA)
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A British Airways plane as thick fog leads to cancelled flights at Heathrow Airport. (credit:PA)
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A horse stands in minus 3 degrees in a field near Heathrow Airport as thick fog leads to cancelled flights. (credit:PA)
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A man walks up Cam Peak in the Cotswolds as cold temperatures lead to a frost. (credit:PA)
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A jogger runs across frost covered grass in a park in London, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012. Flights at London's Heathrow and City airports have been disrupted by morning fog. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (credit:AP)
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A severe overnight frost gives a seasonal look to Strensall Golf Club near York as early golfers set off on their round. (credit:PA)
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Hoar frost on a bush in Kemble, near Stroud, central England, as cold temperatures led to a severe frost. Overnight temperatures in the area dipped to -9 Celsius, 16 Fahrenheit. (AP Photo/PA, Tim Ireland) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE (credit:AP)
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Hoar frost on a bush in Kemble, Gloucestershire, as cold temperatures lead to a frost. (credit:PA)
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The view from Cam Peak in the Cotswolds as cold temperatures lead to a frost. (credit:PA)
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Pedestrians walk along a bank of the River Thames just after sunrise in London, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012. Flights at London's Heathrow and City airport have been disrupted by morning fog. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) (credit:AP)
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Fog clears from Tower Bridge which spans the River Thames in London, Wednesday, Dec.12, 2012. Flights at London's Heathrow and City airport have been disrupted by morning fog. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) (credit:AP)
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A severe overnight frost gives a seasonal look to Strensall Golf Club near York as early golfers set off on their round. (credit:PA)
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Frost covers fields and trees near Arundel, West Sussex where temperatures failed to rise above zero degrees Celsius before lunch. (credit:PA)
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Frost clings to trees near Arundel, West Sussex where temperatures failed to rise above zero degrees Celsius before lunch. (credit:PA)
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Frost clings to a fence near Arundel, West Sussex where temperatures failed to rise above zero degrees Celsius before lunch. (credit:PA)
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General view of mist on the London Skyline as temperatures struggle to reach 2 degrees in the capital, London. (credit:PA)
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General view of mist on the London Skyline as temperatures struggle to reach 2 degrees in the capital, London. (credit:PA)
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Dog walkers in the frost at Rother Valley Country Park, near Sheffield. (credit:PA)
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Frost covers a sign near Arundel, West Sussex where temperatures failed to rise above zero degrees Celsius before lunch. (credit:PA)
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A horse feeds under a tree as frost covers fields and trees around Arundel, West Sussex, England, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/PA, Chris Ison) UNITED KINGDOM OUT, NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE (credit:AP)
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Frost covers fields and trees near Arundel, West Sussex where temperatures failed to rise above zero degrees Celsius before lunch. (credit:PA)
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People look at the trees at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire as cold temperatures lead to a frost. (credit:PA)
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People look at the trees at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire as cold temperatures lead to a frost. (credit:PA)
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A person walks past the trees at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire as cold temperatures lead to a frost. (credit:PA)
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General view of mist on the London Skyline as temperatures struggle to reach 2 degrees in the capital, London. (credit:PA)
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People look at the trees at Westonbirt Arboretum, near Stroud, central England, as cold temperatures led to a severe frost. Overnight temperatures in the area dipped to -9 Celsius, 16 Fahrenheit. (AP Photo/PA, Tim Ireland) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE (credit:AP)
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People look at the trees at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire as cold temperatures lead to a frost. (credit:PA)
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A person looks out over a foggy scene near Dursley in Gloucestershire as cold temperatures lead to a frost. (credit:PA)
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Frost clings to a dinghy in Emsworth, Hampshire as the cold snap continues. (credit:PA)
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General view of mist on the London Skyline as temperatures struggle to reach 2 degrees in the capital, London. (credit:PA)
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A dog walker in the frost at Rother Valley Country Park, near Sheffield. (credit:PA)
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Dog walkers in the frost at Rother Valley Country Park, near Sheffield. (credit:PA)
UK Weather
Winter weather 20th Dec(01 of28)
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A car makes its way along a flooded road in Seaham as parts of the UK are braced for further flooding as successive bands of heavy rain move across the country. (credit:PA)
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A Christmas tree sits up on a bench, out of the rising flood waters surrounding a property in Emsworth, Hampshire. (credit:PA)
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Residents pump rising flood waters from around their properties in Emsworth, Hampshire. (credit:PA)
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David Pratt attempts to keep the rising flood waters from entering his home in Emsworth, Hampshire. (credit:PA)
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David Pratt (right) attempts to keep the rising flood waters from entering his home in Emsworth, Hampshire. (credit:PA)
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Rising flood waters surround a property in Emsworth, Hampshire. (credit:PA)
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The Environment Agency constructs the Bewdley flood defense barrier as the level of river Severn rises, as parts of the UK are braced for further flooding as successive bands of heavy rain move across the country. (credit:PA)
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The Environment Agency constructs the Bewdley flood defense barrier as the level of river Severn rises, as parts of the UK are braced for further flooding as successive bands of heavy rain move across the country. (credit:PA)
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Residents take precautionary measures against possible flooding in Emsworth, Hampshire. (credit:PA)
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The Environment Agency constructs the Bewdley flood defense barrier as the level of river Severn rises, as parts of the UK are braced for further flooding as successive bands of heavy rain move across the country. (credit:PA)
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A motorist drives his car through flood waters in Chichester, West Sussex. Forecasters are predicting a prolonged period of wet weather right through Christmas. (credit:PA)
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Shoppers shelter under umbrellas as they pass the Christmas tree in the centre of Chichester, West Sussex. Forecasters are predicting a prolonged period of wet weather right through Christmas. (credit:PA)
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Drivers go through flood waters in Chichester, West Sussex. Forecasters are predicting a prolonged period of wet weather right through Christmas. (credit:PA)
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Shoppers shelter under umbrellas as they pass a Christmas pop-up shop in the centre of Chichester, West Sussex. Forecasters are predicting a prolonged period of wet weather right through Christmas. (credit:PA)
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Christmas shoppers brave the bad conditions as wet weather sweeps across Nottingham City Centre. (credit:PA)
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A man walks beyond a Christmas tree with fake snow adorning it in the Christmas Wonderland market under a large umbrella, as wet weather sweeps across Nottingham City Centre. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday December 20, 2012. Nottingham has had 33.2mm of rainfall in the last 24 hrs and another 10-15mm is expected this afternoon and evening. Photo credit should read: Lewis Stickley/PA Wire (credit:PA)
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Christmas shoppers brave the bad conditions as wet weather sweeps across Nottingham City Centre. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday December 20, 2012. Nottingham has had 33.2mm of rainfall in the last 24 hrs and another 10-15mm is expected this afternoon and evening. Photo credit should read: Lewis Stickley/PA Wire (credit:PA)
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Christmas shoppers brave the bad conditions as wet weather sweeps across Nottingham City Centre. (credit:PA)
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People walk through the seasonal Christmas Wonderland market under umbrellas as wet weather sweeps across Nottingham City Centre. (credit:PA)
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People walk into the seasonal Christmas Wonderland market under umbrellas as wet weather sweeps across Nottingham City Centre. (credit:PA)
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Shoppers shelter under umbrellas as they pass a Christmas pop-up shop in the centre of Chichester, West Sussex. Forecasters are predicting a prolonged period of wet weather right through Christmas. (credit:PA)
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A woman throws a ball for her dog in the wind and rain on South Beach in Bridlington, East Yorkshire. (credit:PA)
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Waves crash into the sea wall at Seaham Harbour as parts of the UK are braced for further flooding as successive bands of heavy rain move across the country. (credit:PA)
Winter weather 20th Dec(24 of28)
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Waves crash into the sea wall at Seaham Harbour as parts of the UK are braced for further flooding as successive bands of heavy rain move across the country. (credit:PA)
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Waves crash into the sea wall at Seaham Harbour as parts of the UK are braced for further flooding as successive bands of heavy rain move across the country. (credit:PA)
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Waves crash into the sea wall at Seaham Harbour as parts of the UK are braced for further flooding as successive bands of heavy rain move across the country. (credit:PA)
Winter weather 20th Dec(27 of28)
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Waves crash into the sea wall at Seaham Harbour as parts of the UK are braced for further flooding as successive bands of heavy rain move across the country. (credit:PA)
Winter weather 20th Dec(28 of28)
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Waves crash into the sea wall at Seaham Harbour as parts of the UK are braced for further flooding as successive bands of heavy rain move across the country. (credit:PA)