Now brace for 70mph gales and a foot of SNOW! Met Office issues more weather warnings as homes along the River Severn are evacuated after region is hit by widespread flooding

 Parts of Britain face further 70mph winds, heavy rain and up to a foot of snow tomorrow as the stormy weather shows no signs of ending, with more than 4,000 homes still without power and rail lines remaining blocked.

Storm Franklin, which was the third in five days and has caused widespread chaos with 87mph winds, prompted a warning for residents living along the River Severn to be prepared for significant flooding today and tomorrow.More than 250 flood alerts and warnings were still in place today - and conditions could deteriorate tomorrow with a wind warning in place for northern England, and a snow and wind warning for Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

The Met Office warning for Scotland and Northern Ireland runs from 1pm tomorrow until 3pm on Thursday and comes with an alert for 70mph gusts and 'frequent heavy and blustery snow showers arriving from the Atlantic' with up 1ft (30cm) expected to fall. There is also a 'chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris'.

A separate wind warning for northern England runs from 6am tomorrow until 3pm on Thursday and alerts the public to 60mph gusts, 'possible' power cuts and 'likely' delays to motorists and those using public transport.

UK Power Networks said 4,100 homes and businesses in South East England still had no electricity this morning, four days after Storm Eunice hit last Friday with winds of up to 122mph which was a new record for England. The figure includes 200 homes in Essex, 500 in Suffolk, 1,200 in East Sussex, 500 in West Sussex and 1,600 in Kent.

A total of 263 flood alerts and warnings were in place for England, Wales and Scotland this morning – including two severe danger to life warnings along the Severn at Ironbridge in Shropshire and Bewdley in Worcestershire.

Temporary flood defences were erected in both towns, but the Environment Agency predicted they could be 'overtopped' – with water levels at Ironbridge set to peak at almost 23ft (7m) today. This prompted at least 60 properties to be evacuated from the town yesterday and Telford and Wrekin Council to declare a 'major incident'.

But not everyone in Ironbridge followed the evacuation order - with Betty Maiden, 90, saying she would not be moving. She told the Shropshire Star: 'I have lived in this cottage since I was five, we have seen all this before it's only a bit of water. I wouldn't feel comfortable moving out even for a couple of days, I like it this side of the river.' 

Another Ironbridge resident, Graham Hickman, said he had lived in the area since 1950. He told the newspaper: 'I won't be moving it is quite elevated here so I don't think it will be a problem. But I do remember the floods of 1960 where there were bikes and sheep flowing past the building. I don't think it is going to be any worse than then.' 

Meanwhile rail disruption continued to affect commuters today, with Transport for Wales saying no services could run between Shrewsbury and Birmingham, Cardiff and Aberystwyth in West Wales due to flooding on the line.

West Midlands Trains faced the same problem between Shrewsbury to Wellington, while trains in South Yorkshire were again disrupted by flooding at Rotherham which saw all Northern services through the station cancelled.

The Met Office said further rainfall in flood-affected areas could 'massively' slow down recovery work, with heavy showers lashing northern England and Northern Ireland set to move south-eastwards throughout today.

The Environment Agency issued 119 flood warnings and 119 alerts for England; Natural Resources Wales had six warnings and 14 alerts in place; and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued two warnings and alert. 

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

 SLIDE ME 

The level of the River Severn in Ironbridge has risen - with these photos taken at 1pm yesterday (left) and 9am today (right)

Flood water surrounds homes at Ironbridge in Shropshire which are not protected by the defences this morning

Flood water surrounds homes at Ironbridge in Shropshire which are not protected by the defences this morning

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

The Vic Haddock boat house (right) under water on the River Severn following major flooding in Ironbridge this morning

The Vic Haddock boat house (right) under water on the River Severn following major flooding in Ironbridge this morning

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

Houses start to flood in Ironbridge, Shropshire, today as the River Severn reaches very high levels following Storm Franklin

Houses start to flood in Ironbridge, Shropshire, today as the River Severn reaches very high levels following Storm Franklin

Water from the River Severn threatens to overwhelm temporary flood barriers at Ironbridge in Shropshire this morning

Water from the River Severn threatens to overwhelm temporary flood barriers at Ironbridge in Shropshire this morning

Flooding at Ironbridge in Shropshire this morning as the River Severn threatens to cause major damage to the town

Flooding at Ironbridge in Shropshire this morning as the River Severn threatens to cause major damage to the town

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

Flood water from the River Severn surrounds homes in Ironbridge, Shropshire, today after successive storms hit the UK

Flood water from the River Severn surrounds homes in Ironbridge, Shropshire, today after successive storms hit the UK

Telford and Wrekin councillor Shaun Davies near the River Severn today following high winds and wet weather in Ironbridge

Telford and Wrekin councillor Shaun Davies near the River Severn today following high winds and wet weather in Ironbridge

Flood water from the River Severn surrounds homes in Ironbridge, Shropshire, today after successive storms hit the UK

Flood water from the River Severn surrounds homes in Ironbridge, Shropshire, today after successive storms hit the UK

The Vic Haddock boat house under water on the River Severn following high winds and wet weather in Ironbridge today

The Vic Haddock boat house under water on the River Severn following high winds and wet weather in Ironbridge today

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

Temporary flood barriers hold back water from the River Severn in the Shropshire town of Ironbridge this morning

The storm prompted a warning for residents living along the River Severn to be prepared for significant flooding today

The storm prompted a warning for residents living along the River Severn to be prepared for significant flooding todayThe Environment Agency has urged communities in parts of the West Midlands and North, especially those along River Severn, to be prepared for significant flooding until tomorrow following high rainfall from Storm Franklin.

Family of Storm Eunice victim remember 'popular and well-loved' man 

Stephen Matthews, 68, died after debris struck a vehicle he was travelling in amid high winds in Merseyside on Friday

Stephen Matthews, 68, died after debris struck a vehicle he was travelling in amid high winds in Merseyside on Friday

The family of a 68-year-old man who died after debris struck the windscreen of a vehicle as he was travelling amid high winds during Storm Eunice have paid tribute to a 'popular' member of his local community.

The incident took place in Netherton, Merseyside, at 2.10pm on Friday as the storm swept through the region.

The male driver of the vehicle was uninjured but his passenger was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene at Switch Island off Dunnings Bridge Road.

Police have named the victim as husband and father-of-two, Stephen Matthews, 68, from Aintree.

Mr Matthews, a passenger in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

A family tribute read: 'Stephen was a popular and well-known member of the Aintree community who was tragically taken from us too soon. The beloved husband of Sylvia and devoted Dad to Jonathan and Robert, he will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends.'

It has issued hundreds of flood warnings across the UK, including two rare 'severe' warnings for the River Severn at the Wharfage, Ironbridge and Wribbenhall, Bewdley, where rising water levels pose a 'significant risk to life', with barriers forecast to exceed their capacity and potentially overtop.

National Rail said travellers should check before travelling on the railways in the morning ahead of a 'small number of delays and alterations'.

Forecaster Mark Wilson said: 'It's been an improving picture following a really bad start to the week, with strong winds due to Storm Franklin.

'Outbreaks of rain have been clearing off to the east, and some parts have been brighter but still windy, so not a great start but it has improved.

'Overnight and in the early hours of Tuesday bands of rain and strong winds in the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will begin to move, bringing scattered showers across many regions, including those which have already seen flooding.

'Although there won't be a huge amount of rain and it will pass through quickly, further rainfall on top of the regions which have seen flooding is not helpful and could cause recovery to slow down massively.'

Major incidents have been declared in Worcestershire and Shropshire as water levels along the River Severn continue to rise, West Mercia Police said.

Severe flood warnings, meaning a danger to life, have been issued by the Environment Agency for Ironbridge and Bewdley due to a risk the temporary flood defences could be overtopped within the next 24 hours.

Residents in affected areas have been contacted directly and advised where evacuation may be necessary.

Flood barriers in both locations are forecast to exceed their capacity and overtop during today, the Environment Agency said.

Elsewhere on the Severn, water levels in Montford in Shropshire passed the highest level on record yesterday evening, reaching 7.02m (23ft).

On the River Derwent at Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, yesterday afternoon, the flow peaked at 220 tonnes per second - the highest ever measured at that spot.

In Derby, floodgates protecting the city centre were closed and residents of a block of flats were on standby to leave.

Water begins to spill behind flood defences along the River Severn at Bewdley in Worcestershire this morning

Water begins to spill behind flood defences along the River Severn at Bewdley in Worcestershire this morning

Water begins to spill behind flood defences along the River Severn at Bewdley in Worcestershire this morning

Water begins to spill behind flood defences along the River Severn at Bewdley in Worcestershire this morning

A signpost is partially underwater today after the River Severn flooded in Bewdley, Worcestershire

A signpost is partially underwater today after the River Severn flooded in Bewdley, Worcestershire

Flood defences in place along the River Severn at Bewdley in Worcestershire this morning following Storm Frankling

Flood defences in place along the River Severn at Bewdley in Worcestershire this morning following Storm Frankling

Flood defences in place along the River Severn at Bewdley in Worcestershire this morning following Storm Frankling

Flood defences in place along the River Severn at Bewdley in Worcestershire this morning following Storm Frankling

Water begins to spill behind flood defences along the River Severn at Bewdley in Worcestershire this morning

Water begins to spill behind flood defences along the River Severn at Bewdley in Worcestershire this morning

Flood defences being reinforced by the River Severn in Bewdley, Worcestershire, this morning

Flood defences being reinforced by the River Severn in Bewdley, Worcestershire, this morning

A police officer stands on a bridge over the River Severn in Bewdley, Worcestershire, today amid major flooding concerns

A police officer stands on a bridge over the River Severn in Bewdley, Worcestershire, today amid major flooding concernsSome parts of the country experienced double the usual rainfall expected in the whole of February due to storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin, which brought gales and torrential rain on Sunday and yesterday morning.

What is the UK forecast for the next few days? 

Today: Any early patches of mist will soon clear. It will then be cloudy and outbreaks of rain will track south-eastwards across the country and will be heavy in the north before turning increasingly light and patchy. Mainly dry with sunny spells once the rain has cleared but there is a chance of showers

Tonight: A largely dry evening with clear spells however there will be scattered wintry showers across Scotland. These conditions will continue overnight as most areas will be dry with long clear spells however scattered showers will continue across Scotland and merge into longer spells of rain by dawn

Tomorrow: Any early mist will clear. It will then be largely dry and bright with spells of sunshine however variable amounts of cloud cover will build. Outbreaks of rain will sink south-eastwards across Scotland and Northern Ireland and may be locally heavy. Light rain and showers across parts of Wales

Thursday: Early rain across England and Wales will clear south-eastwards during the morning on Thursday to reveal sunny spells and a chance of showers, some wintry. 

Friday: Any early showers on Friday will soon clear. It will then be fine as it will be dry and bright with long spells of winter sunshine expected

Gusts of up to 87mph were recorded at the Isle of Wight's Needles on Sunday night. Winds reached 77mph at Emley Moor, West Yorkshire, yesterday morning.

At Ironbridge, an urgent message to residents read: 'There is a risk that the barriers will overtop posing a significant risk to life. Residents must evacuate.

'Please move possessions and valuables off the ground or to safety and turn off gas, electricity and water.'

It was only a year ago when the river last flooded. Businesses in Matlock, Derbyshire, were left counting the cost again when the town centre was submerged yesterday morning.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the town's last deluge in 2019 as 'almost biblical'.

And homes and businesses in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, were flooded by the rising River Wharfe.

The Met Office said parts of North and West Yorkshire received double the usual February rainfall between noon last Wednesday, when Dudley hit, and yesterday.

Littondale in North Yorkshire had 5.96in against the monthly average of 3in. The wettest place was Pen-y-Coed, Powys, which received just over 9in against a monthly average for the area of 4.99in.

Police also named husband and father-of-two Stephen Matthews, 68, from Aintree, as the passenger who died after debris struck the windscreen of a vehicle he was travelling in amid high winds in Netherton, Merseyside, on Friday.

A family tribute read: 'Stephen was a popular and well-known member of the Aintree community who was tragically taken from us too soon.

'The beloved husband of Sylvia and devoted Dad to Jonathan and Robert, he will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends.'

Katharine Smith, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: 'Heavy rain, affecting already wet areas, is likely to cause significant river flooding along the River Severn until Wednesday.

The levels of the River Great Ouse near Sutton Gault in Cambridgeshire are still very high this morning

The levels of the River Great Ouse near Sutton Gault in Cambridgeshire are still very high this morning

Two men look out over the floodwater from a doorway in York this morning after the River Ouse continued to rise today

Two men look out over the floodwater from a doorway in York this morning after the River Ouse continued to rise today

A view of the waterfront properties next to the flooded River Ouse in York this morning following Storm Franklin

A view of the waterfront properties next to the flooded River Ouse in York this morning following Storm Franklin

The Waterfront pub next to the flooded River Ouse in York this morning following Storm Franklin

The Waterfront pub next to the flooded River Ouse in York this morning following Storm Franklin

The submerged Kings Arms pub next to the flooded River Ouse in York this morning

The submerged Kings Arms pub next to the flooded River Ouse in York this morning

A submerged car next to a tourist information sign in a car park alongside the flooded River Ouse in York this morning

A submerged car next to a tourist information sign in a car park alongside the flooded River Ouse in York this morning

A man walks this morning through the flood water from the nearby River Ouse in York which has burst its banks

A man walks this morning through the flood water from the nearby River Ouse in York which has burst its banks

A view of the waterfront properties next to the flooded River Ouse in York this morning

A view of the waterfront properties next to the flooded River Ouse in York this morning

A man walks this morning through the flood water from the nearby River Ouse in York which has burst its banks

A man walks this morning through the flood water from the nearby River Ouse in York which has burst its banks

Submerged cars in a car park alongside the flooded River Ouse in York this morning

Submerged cars in a car park alongside the flooded River Ouse in York this morning

People start to clean up following flooding after the River Wharfe overtopped its banks in Tadcaster in North Yorkshire today

People start to clean up following flooding after the River Wharfe overtopped its banks in Tadcaster in North Yorkshire today

Mick Malkinson walks through flood water near his home in Tadcaster today after the River Wharfe overtopped its banks

Mick Malkinson walks through flood water near his home in Tadcaster today after the River Wharfe overtopped its banks

People start to clean up following flooding after the River Wharfe overtopped its banks in Tadcaster in North Yorkshire today

People start to clean up following flooding after the River Wharfe overtopped its banks in Tadcaster in North Yorkshire today

Flooding on Smithfield Road in Shrewsbury this morning following high winds and wet weather across England

Flooding on Smithfield Road in Shrewsbury this morning following high winds and wet weather across England

Flooding at Shrewsbury School in the Shropshire town this morning following high winds and wet weather in the area

Flooding at Shrewsbury School in the Shropshire town this morning following high winds and wet weather in the areaFlooding at the NCP car park in Shrewsbury town centre this morning following high winds and wet weather

Flooding at the NCP car park in Shrewsbury town centre this morning following high winds and wet weather

Flooding on Chester Street in Shrewsbury this morning following high winds and wet weather

Flooding on Chester Street in Shrewsbury this morning following high winds and wet weather

Flooding in Shrewsbury Town Centre today amid concerns for communities in the West Midlands

Flooding in Shrewsbury Town Centre today amid concerns for communities in the West Midlands

Flooding in Shrewsbury town centre this morning following high winds and wet weather

Flooding in Shrewsbury town centre this morning following high winds and wet weather

Flooding on St Michael's Street in Shrewsbury this morning following high winds and wet weather

Flooding on St Michael's Street in Shrewsbury this morning following high winds and wet weather

Flood water on a football pitch in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, this morning which was badly affected by Storm Franklin

Flood water on a football pitch in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, this morning which was badly affected by Storm Franklin

A group of three men walk along a footpath where a tree has fallen in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, this morning

A group of three men walk along a footpath where a tree has fallen in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, this morning

A fallen tree on the side of the River Mersey this morning after Storm Franklin swept through Didsbury in Greater Manchester

A fallen tree on the side of the River Mersey this morning after Storm Franklin swept through Didsbury in Greater Manchester

Fallen trees stuck on a bridge over the River Mersey this morning in Didsbury, Greater Manchester

Fallen trees stuck on a bridge over the River Mersey this morning in Didsbury, Greater Manchester

Cyclists negotiate their way past a fallen down tree in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, this morning following storm damage

Cyclists negotiate their way past a fallen down tree in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, this morning following storm damage

A fallen tree in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, this morning after the area was badly affected by Storm Franklin

A fallen tree in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, this morning after the area was badly affected by Storm Franklin'We have teams out on the ground taking preventative action, closing flood gates, deploying temporary barriers and moving pumps and other response equipment to areas of highest risk.

Couple aged in their 70s narrowly escape tree crashing through roof of 1640s thatched cottage 

A married couple in Leicestershire narrowly escaped a large tree crashing through the roof of their home after going downstairs around 10 minutes before it 'wrecked' two upstairs bedrooms during Storm Franklin.

Gowan Wharrier, 79, and his wife Barbra, also 79, were speaking to reporters after strong winds brought the tree down onto the thatched roof of their cottage, which was built in the 1640s.

A tree which fell onto the 17th century thatched cottage in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire after strong winds yesterday

A tree which fell onto the 17th century thatched cottage in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire after strong winds yesterday

Talking outside their home in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Mr Wharrier said: 'The tree crashed down, breaking the roof above the two bedrooms, and actually damaging the living room as well. My son's bedroom, that's wrecked. My daughter's bedroom... that's wrecked.'

Asked what his reaction was, Mr Wharrier told reporters: 'I was shocked to start with, but there's other people in worse circumstances. Neither of us have been hurt, so get on with it.'

Gowan Wharrier, 79, outside his 17th century thatched cottage where he lives with wife Barbara Wharrier in Ashby de la Zouch

Gowan Wharrier, 79, outside his 17th century thatched cottage where he lives with wife Barbara Wharrier in Ashby de la Zouch

Speaking about how he and his wife had narrowly avoided the tree, Mr Wharrier said: 'We'd both been working upstairs on the computer, and that's another room that's been affected.

'Then we'd both been downstairs for five to 10 minutes, and then the tree went.'

Questioned on whether he felt he and his wife were lucky to have avoided the tree, Mr Wharrier added: 'I suppose we were really, yes.'

The tree fell onto the cottage in Ashby de la Zouch yesterday

The tree fell onto the cottage in Ashby de la Zouch yesterday

'While a handful of properties have sadly flooded over the past few days, Environment Agency defences have protected more than 40,000 properties despite record river levels.

'We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.'

UK Power Networks said on this morning that 99 per cent of properties across the East and South East have had their power restored.

It comes after Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, said extreme weather, like the storms that have lashed the UK, 'could' become a feature of the country's climate.

Speaking in the Commons yesterday, he said 'four people have tragically lost their lives in incidents related to storms'.

Mr Kwarteng went on: 'Some people, particularly in the south and east of England, have been without power for more than 72 hours.

'I want to reassure them that we have dedicated teams of engineers working night and day to get them reconnected as soon as possible.

'Continuing poor weather conditions have hampered those efforts but I'm pleased to say that as of now (Monday afternoon), over 98 per cent of those affected by storms, over 1.4 million customers have had their power restored so far, their supply restored.

'However as of four o'clock today, there are still just under 30,000 households who are without power.'

Mr Kwarteng said he spoke directly with leaders at energy networks, adding: 'They have given me assurances the restoration is happening as quickly as possible.'

He said: 'The UK has been particularly badly hit by storms this year, but I'm pleased to say that overall our network operators and our brave emergency services have learnt lessons about how we can improve our response and will continue to learn those lessons.'

Labour shadow climate change secretary Ed Miliband said the storms should be a 'wake-up call' to strengthen national 'resilience' against power outages.

The former party leader added that the UK will face 'significant threats of extreme weather' in the next few years.

Responding to the warning, Kwasi Kwarteng said: 'I think he will be surprised that I am in a measure of agreement with him on this.

'I think he is absolutely right to warn that extreme weather events could, not saying they will, but they could become a feature of our landscape, of our climate.'

Among those affected was a married couple in Leicestershire, who narrowly escaped a large tree crashing through the roof of their home after going downstairs around 10 minutes.

Gowan Wharrier, 79, and his wife Barbra, also 79, were speaking to reporters after strong winds brought the tree down onto the thatched roof of their cottage, which was built in the 1640s.

Talking outside their home in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Mr Wharrier said: 'The tree crashed down, breaking the roof above the two bedrooms, and actually damaging the living room as well.

'My son's bedroom, that's wrecked. My daughter's bedroom... that's wrecked.'

Yesterday, Energy Minister Greg Hands visited a home in the village of Oldbury, in Kent's Ightham, where a crew in high-visibility vests was working amid toppled trees and a downed energy line to restore power.

David Thomas, 56, who lives at the home visited by Mr Hands, said he, his wife and children heard an 'enormous crash' on Friday morning when the first two trees were blown over.

Last week marked the first time three named storms have been recorded within seven days since the storm-naming system began in 2015, with Dudley, Eunice and Franklin. 

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