Severe flood warnings issued as more stormy weather expected

A combination of gales and high tides threatens to send sea spray and waves over the top of sea defences.

Twelve of the areas at greatest risk are in the southwest, three in the Midlands along the Severn river, and one in Wales at Barmouth where the tide is expected to be extremely high. People in Barmouth were warned to stay away from the sea front to avoid being caught in a storm surge.

Almost 400 less severe flood warnings are in place across the UK. In total the Environment Agency issued 17 severe flood warnings, 156 flood warnings and 238 flood alerts.

Typical disruption may include danger to life along sea fronts, flooding of parts of communities and significant travel problems.

To see the Environment Agency live flood warning map: click here

These warnings come amidst a spell of heavy rain, gales and flooding that has plagued the UK and Ireland for the past two weeks – bringing misery to tens of thousands through the festive period.

Emergency planning

Thousands were left without electricity on Christmas day and travel networks were severely disrupted, as trees fell on railways and planes were diverted due to strong crosswinds.

On Thursday the government held a cobra emergency meeting in London to discuss the problems surrounding the forthcoming bad weather.

Owen Paterson, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “I have just chaired a further cobra meeting as we have further bad weather coming in. We are looking to have a combination of exceptional rain, wind and a surge in sea and high tides and so there are nearly 50 warnings put out around the whole of the west coast and south coast.”

Read more from Liam Dutton: Why have the past few weeks been so stormy?

Mr Paterson added: “We had a range of ministers from right across Government attending the meeting, who will be working very closely with local councils, power companies, utility and transport companies, making sure that all of those organisations are absolutely prepared for the bad weather that is coming.”

Severe flood warnings are issued when there is a danger to life and property. Areas particularly at risk include the Isles of Scilly, the north and south coasts of Devon and Cornwall, Dorset and the coastline of Wales, the Environment Agency said.

138 flood related breakdowns yesterday! Over 1,400 in the last 10 days! Don’t risk your safety or a car write-off! pic.twitter.com/XhAzVhpYMr

— AA SORT (@AASORT) January 2, 2014

On the roads, the AA dealt with 138 flood-related breakdowns yesterday, adding to the 1,400 in the last 10 days, and are warning people not to drive through flood water.

The Met Office has issued a number of warnings for the next few days, highlighting the continued risk of heavy rain, gales and further disruption.

Slow down & look out for surface water & debris
If faced by flood water whilst driving please #ThinkDontSink. pic.twitter.com/BIslDONJ6z

— AA SORT (@AASORT) December 23, 2013