Gusts of almost 80mph hit coastal areas, as storms and floods wreak more havoc in Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
Video: Anger In Somerset Over Flooding
Enlarge
The latest update from the Sky News weather team.
Video: Sky News UK Weather Forecast
Enlarge
Heavy
rains, large waves and strong winds wreaked havoc in Britain and
Ireland today, cancelling flights and sparking a "significant risk to
life" warning.
The worst of the weather was battering the Republic
of Ireland but gusts were expected to pick up across Wales and southern
parts of England during the day.The Environment Agency warned "extraordinary measures" may be taken in Gloucestershire today to keep back tidal and river floods.
Further warnings are in place along the length of the River Severn amid fears it could burst its banks. It also warned the risk of flooding could continue into next week.
Flood barriers have already been installed in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and Bewdley, Worcestershire, as the water level rises.
"The risk of flooding will continue into next week, with the Met Office forecasting further heavy rainfall across southern England and Wales.
"This rain will fall in areas where ground water and river levels are already high, bringing an ongoing risk of flooding."
Lesser warnings remain in place for many parts of Britain, including the already blighted Somerset Levels and west Wales, where 49 flood warnings and 15 alerts have been issued this morning.
In the Republic of Ireland, there were reports of severe flooding in Limerick City with the river Shannon bursting its banks.
With gusts of almost 80mph in coastal areas of the country, several parts were hit by flooding and at one stage 5,500 homes and properties were left without power, 4,000 of them in Ennis, Co Clare.
Flights out of Dublin airport were affected because of the gales force winds. Flights to Manchester, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Cardiff, Paris and Madrid had to be cancelled.
Isabel Webster, reporting from the River Parrett in Burrowbridge, Somerset, tweeted at 8.30am: "High tide in Burrowbridge this morning. It's just touching the sand bags."
Minutes later she tweeted: "Water is seeping through giant sandbags onto road beyond at high tide here in Burrowbridge."
Read More Here
.....
Sky News
Britain, Ireland lashed by wild weather
Updated: 07:27, Sunday February 2, 2014
The worst of the weather was battering the Republic of Ireland but gusts were expected to pick up across Wales and southern parts of England during the day.
The Environment Agency warned 'extraordinary measures' may be taken in Gloucestershire to keep back tidal and river floods.
It issued severe flood warnings - meaning there is an imminent danger to life - for several parts of the county and the coasts of Cornwall and north Devon.
Further warnings are in place along the length of the River Severn amid fears it could burst its banks. It also warned the risk of flooding could continue into next week.
Flood barriers have already been installed in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and Bewdley, Worcestershire, as the water level rises.
A statement issued by the agency said: 'Gales, large waves and high tides present a danger to life and are expected to result in overtopping of sea walls and defences causing flooding to properties along with disruption to travel.
'The risk of flooding will continue into next week, with the Met Office forecasting further heavy rainfall across southern England and Wales.
'This rain will fall in areas where ground water and river levels are already high, bringing an ongoing risk of flooding.'
Lesser warnings remain in place for many parts of Britain, including the already blighted Somerset Levels and west Wales, where 49 flood warnings and 15 alerts have been issued this morning.
Read More Here
.....
Related articles
Army vehicle in Limerick earlier today.
