UK Weather: Huge Waves And Strong Winds To Cause More Coastal Flooding

Huge Waves And Strong Winds To Cause More Coastal Flooding
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Strong winds and large waves are expected to cause further coastal flooding.

The Environment Agency issued one severe flood warning in Dorset - meaning "there is significant risk to life" - and 87 flood warnings where flooding is "expected" across almost every region in England and Wales.

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 and the east coast of Northern Ireland.

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Members of the public watch as high tide waves break along the seafront at Porthcawl

This will cause ''exceptionally high waves'', the Met Office predicted.

Heavy rain fell across much of the UK last night, with up to 1.6in (40mm) expected on higher ground.

The Environment Agency estimates that about 220 properties have been flooded so far as miles of coastline have been battered and roads and fields across the country are under water.

The transport network has also been hit, with roads closed and trains delayed or cancelled in many areas.

First Great Western warned passengers there was a risk to services in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset.

The Thames Barrier was in operation last night to protect people and property along the river.

In Oxford a 47-year-old man died when his mobility scooter fell from a flooded path into a river.

Thames Valley Police were called to Osney Lock near the city centre at 6.30pm on Saturday after receiving a report that the 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.

Jonathan Day, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, 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 via the EA website and Twitter.

''Environment Agency teams remain out on the ground across the country and will continue to work around the clock to protect communities at risk.''

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson chaired a meeting of the Government's Cobra emergency committee on Sunday.

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.''

Searches were carried out in south Devon over the weekend for missing 18-year-old university student Harry Martin, who was last seen leaving his home to take photographs of the weather - with more than 100 people volunteering to look for him.

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 high crashing on to land.