WEATHER Even More Storms for this weekend

[Melodi]

The storms have not stopped here, but as if Tuesday's wild winds that had our power flickering and flooded Cork were not enough, now we have another storm headed this direction. The most recent one actually took out train tracks and a chunk of Sea coast in the UK, last night engineers were talking about rebuilding the sea wall but today they are talking about opening old routes closed for 50 years that are further inland which seems like a better idea to me. For whatever reason, this storm season and tidal flooding is causing both Ireland and the UK to rethink parts of the seacoast and realizing they may have to make decisions on "leaving some areas to the rising seas." Along with all the mutterings about global warming etc; I have to say that no matter what the cause, the tides and sea levels here are rising (which can be caused by a variety of things) and the "normal" Atlantic storm seasons are starting act as if someone put them on speed dial.

I have actually lost count of how many "really big, bigger than big, record breaking storms/waves/flooding etc" we have had so far this Winter.

So I'm starting another thread for this week...

Britain braced for NEW Atlantic storm set to batter beleaguered coastline this weekend with biggest waves of the winter and bringing huge deluge of rainfall on flooded communities

Two new turbulent weather systems are expected to hit the country, bringing high winds and rain

Two severe flood warnings in place in Somerset Levels where many homes have already been evacuated

Residents in Somerset are reportedly refusing to leave their homes because of their fear of possible looting

Met Office has predicted up to 1.6in of rain to fall on south coast, where many areas are already drenched

Upland areas including Salisbury Plan, South Downs and North Downs set to be worst affected by downpours

Experts have predicted waves up to 35ft high could batter parts of Cornish coastline over the weekend

Environment Agency spokesman has said people in parts of Britain face a 'conveyor belt of storms'

EA has also faced fresh criticism today over refusal to react to demands of those hit by floods

By James Rush and Mark Duell

PUBLISHED: 09:17 GMT, 6 February 2014 | UPDATED: 18:47 GMT, 6 February 2014

A new Atlantic storm is set to batter parts of Britain's beleaguered coastline this weekend with huge waves due to bring further devastation.

The weather system is expected to bring up to 30mm of rain overnight tomorrow and into Saturday along with severe gale force winds of up to 80mph.

Trees could be toppled and heavy rain was expected to heap more chaos on already-devastated flooded communities in the South West.

Experts meanwhile have predicted waves of up to 35ft could batter parts of the Cornish coastline on Saturday - the biggest seen this winter.

Two new turbulent weather systems are expected to hit the country over the next few days and leave many areas at risk of further flooding.

[very long article with many, many pictures a few added below but can't post entire thing here]

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...infall-flooded-communities.html#ixzz2sZRElZzs
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

 

[Melodi]

Get out and take your belongings with you!

Get out and take your belongings with you! Police tell flood-hit villagers to leave in message broadcast from helicopter but some stay behind fearing looters

Somerset families fled their homes today as food waters rose 2ft in a few hours

Police in helicopters used a Tannoy system to urge residents to leave homes

Many residents were reluctant to leave however and watched on as water engulfed their homes

By James Rush

PUBLISHED: 16:06 GMT, 6 February 2014 | UPDATED: 19:00 GMT, 6 February 2014

Families on the Somerset Levels fled their homes today after flood water rose by two feet in just a few hours when river defences were breached.

Police in helicopters took to the skies on Wednesday night and used a Tannoy system to urge residents to abandon their homes.

But many homeowners in Northmoor, Saltmoor and Fordgate were reluctant to leave and watched helplessly yesterday as waves of sewage-filled water engulfed their houses.
Moving: A man carries his belongings through a flood street in Moorland, Somerset, as flood defences are put up

Moving: A man carries his belongings through a flood street in Moorland, Somerset, as flood defences are put up




Nearby: Houses sit perilously close to flood water in Moorland as flood defences are erected to try and prevent the village from being lost to flooding

Julian Taylor, 72, and his wife Mary, 68, initially resisted evacuation - but yesterday fled after they watched nine inches of murky water pour into their home in Fordgate.

District councillor Julian said: 'We are out now. Nine inches came up in just a few hours.

More...

Britain braced for NEW Atlantic storm set to batter beleaguered coastline this weekend with biggest waves of the winter and bringing huge deluge of rainfall on flooded communities
'We might lose everything': Shock of families evacuated over fears their homes will fall into the sea after waves destroy coastal defences
Railway lines shut 50 years ago could be reopened in £100million plan to divert trains away from destruction of Dawlish waves

'It was awful. We are out now, we've put the dogs in kennels and we are staying with friends on a short-term basis but ultimately we have nowhere to go.'

Heavy rain fell into the swollen River Tone which poured into an already-overwhelmed reservoir near the villages and over the top of a man-made defence wall.
Resident Martin Gray prepares to evacuate his property in Moorland in Somerset
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Resident Martin Gray prepares to evacuate his property in Moorland in Somerset
Thoroughly depressing: A car is ruined by floodwater in Fordgate, Somerset, where families have been urged to abandon their homes
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Thoroughly depressing: A car is ruined by floodwater in Fordgate, Somerset, where families have been urged to abandon their homes

Somerset farmer, 66-year-old Bob Hall, loads some of his possessions onto a tractor trailer as he prepares to leave his property that flooded this morning in Fordgate on the Somerset Levels near Bridgwater
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Somerset farmer, 66-year-old Bob Hall, loads some of his possessions onto a tractor trailer as he prepares to leave his property that flooded this morning in Fordgate on the Somerset Levels near Bridgwater
Fordgate resident, 72-year-old Julian Taylor, waits for a Devon and Somerset Fire brigade truck to take him to safety as he prepares to leave his property that flooded this morning
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Fordgate resident, 72-year-old Julian Taylor, waits for a Devon and Somerset Fire brigade truck to take him to safety as he prepares to leave his property that flooded this morning
Police in helicopters took to the skies on Wednesday night and used a Tannoy system to urge residents to abandon their homes
+20

Police in helicopters took to the skies on Wednesday night and used a Tannoy system to urge residents to abandon their homes

Maria Mae also abandoned her Fordgate home after 2ft of water poured into her cottage in the early hours of this morning.

She said: 'We couldn't do it any more, so we decided to just move out.

'It's terrible. We moved to this beautiful place to retire, because we love Somerset.

'It's so devastating to see it going underwater. I am living like a refugee at the moment out of five bags.
Many homeowners in Northmoor, Saltmoor and Fordgate were reluctant to leave and watched helplessly yesterday as waves of sewage-filled water engulf their homes
+20

Many homeowners in Northmoor, Saltmoor and Fordgate were reluctant to leave and watched helplessly yesterday as waves of sewage-filled water engulf their homes

Cattle are evacuated from rising flood water at James Winslade's West Yeo Farm near Moorland, Somerset
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Cattle are evacuated from rising flood water at James Winslade's West Yeo Farm near Moorland, Somerset
Farm workers walk in flood water next to the evacuated home of James Winslade's parents, West Yeo Farm
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Farm workers walk in flood water next to the evacuated home of James Winslade's parents, West Yeo Farm

'My husband cried his eyes out. He was crying like a baby. I have never seen him cry in all my life. I have no idea where we are going to go.'

The Environment Agency has today issued two severe weather warnings - indicating 'imminent danger to life' - alongside 20 warnings of immediate danger and 50 alerts to be prepared.

But Michael Price, 75, is refusing to leave his home in Northmoor - despite rising water lapping against the side of his house.

He said: 'It's going to have to be a further major catastrophe before we decide to evacuate. Providing we still have heating and power, we shall stay.'
The Environment Agency has today issued two severe weather warnings - indicating 'imminent danger to life' - alongside 20 warnings of immediate danger and 50 alerts to be prepared
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The Environment Agency has today issued two severe weather warnings - indicating 'imminent danger to life' - alongside 20 warnings of immediate danger and 50 alerts to be prepared

Fordgate resident Steve Parsons stands besides his flood damaged 1977 Triumph Stag that he restored over six years in a barn that flooded this morning in Fordgate
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Fordgate resident Steve Parsons stands besides his flood damaged 1977 Triumph Stag that he restored over six years in a barn that flooded this morning in Fordgate

Police have promised residents who left their homes that they would be safe.

Chief Superintendent Caroline Peters of Avon and Somerset Police said there had been just three flood-related thefts, and only 19 crimes in the area so far this year.

She said: 'You are safe. We have extensive patrol plans. We have ramped up patrol pans to cover 24/7 to be visible.'

She defended her decision to put up the helicopter-mounted tannoy system, urging residents to leave, after critics said it was over the top and 'frightening'.

She said: 'We considered this very, very carefully and we did think about what would be the outcome and would it scare people.
Residents in Somerset are told to evacuate
more videos

Firefighters pulled 13 stranded people from engulfed cars yesterday, as the heavy rain started to take hold of the drenched roads between villages

'But the reasoning and main decision that I made to put the helicopter up was that people had felt they weren't being informed and kept up to date.

'It was important to get that message out to make that informed choice to make that decision whether that were going to stay or not.'

Firefighters pulled 13 stranded people from engulfed cars yesterday, as the heavy rain started to take hold of the drenched roads between villages.

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset fire and rescue, said: 'Bad weather was imminent so, alongside the police and other agencies, we started knocking on doors and advising people to leave.

Helped out: Cattle are evacuated from rising flood water at James Winslade's West Yeo Farm near Moorland, Somerset

'Until about 3am this morning people were taking themselves to the rescue centre that was set up, where they stayed for the night.

'The people that did go mainly wanted to go under their own efforts and were able to do so.

'We did carry out several rescues in flood hit Somerset last night, but these were mainly from stranded cars and similar situations.

'We generally were just advising people to leave and most of them did so under their own steam.'

Looters should be shot
by Frankyboy 165


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...opter-stay-fearing-looters.html#ixzz2sZUZTyn1
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

 

[Broken Arrow]

Wow what a mess. Prayers for your safety

 

[Melodi]

So far we are fine, we lost a bit of glass in one of the conservatory windows and neighbors have lost trees, but we are far inland - a few years ago a similar (but not as severe) weather pattern flooded my husband's office but I think we had such a dry Summer (our well went dry I had to hook up to County Water) that it hasn't over-filed the old well which sits next to the house and hopefully it won't. We are in the exact middle of the country and several fields over from the nearest river so not affected by the huge river flooding they are expecting this weekend.

A lot of the really impressive damage in Ireland so far has been port cities close enough to the sea to be affected by the massive tides, wind and sea acting together (Cork, Galway, Limerick, Dublin) the UK has two issues - the Sea Coasts (where in some places the land, including cliffs and beaches is just washing into the sea) but also the inland areas of the South East and parts of the midlands that were marsh and lake areas in some cases up until they were drained in the 18th century (in others they dried out naturally). The rivers were not dredged in these areas either for the last 20 years in a probably miss-guided attempt at being eco-friendly, and the result (along with the amazing storm season) has returned the area to older villages back up on Islands as they were in the Middle Ages and those on lower ground (a lot of those farming pictures) are now under-water and have been for a solid month already. Many were under-water for four months last year, these people can now no longer sell their homes/farms etc and are begging the government to either spend the money on modern flood defenses (a la Holland) combined with a return to dredging the rivers or buying them out. My guess is they will try the first but may end up with the second in some places if this (I hate to use the word but it fits here) "climate change" (aka a return to the little ice age weather patterns, or those of the migration age) continue for a few more years. They will still have to figure out what to do about the Island towns as just going everywhere by boat for about half a year doesn't work well in the modern world, I guess a road system similar to the ones above Irish bogs could be set up but it won't be cheap (and would need to be higher).

No solution to this is going to be cheap, and Mother Nature could just decide to switch patterns again and after two years of relentless wind and super-Atlantic storms, decide to either have a few years of just mild Winters and/or have winds blow down from Siberia again and have "snow-ball" Britain (also know as "The Deep Freeze" here in Ireland) with images from space looking like the height of the Ice Age for two months.

People forget that both Deep-Freeze years started with massive flooding (the first major stuff I can remember on this scale) in the Fall BEFORE the snows came, but whatever is going on it simply can't be written off as "one-offs" anymore, especially the problems in South East England and the Irish and UK ports.

 

[Marthanoir]

I'm starting to get webbed feet,
At least the weather forecasters have stopped trying to tell people this is normal, even the Taoiseach thinks something has gone wrong

 

[Melodi]

I'm starting to get webbed feet,
At least the weather forecasters have stopped trying to tell people this is normal, even the Taoiseach thinks something has gone wrong

Yes and unfortunately I didn't catch who said it but I heard one government talking head saying something about "making decisions about what land might have to be abandoned to the sea." Which harsh as it sounds, may very likely be the case and it would be cheaper in the long run to realize that sooner (and buy people out and help them relocate) than pretending it will all be fine "next year" when in some of the sea ports and coastal villages they won't be. There are some Western villages in Coastal Ireland that have no way in or out except by walking over huge mounds of rubble since the FIRST storm (and I have lost count of them at this point) because the roads just washed away.

 

[hunybee]

good-ness

you guys are just getting nailed there this year

 

[Melodi]

A bit of weather radar going into tomorrow (but I don't think expected to really hit until tomorrow night but looking at this I wouldn't bet on it)

 

[Countrymouse]

Yes and unfortunately I didn't catch who said it but I heard one government talking head saying something about "making decisions about what land might have to be abandoned to the sea." Which harsh as it sounds, may very likely be the case and it would be cheaper in the long run to realize that sooner (and buy people out and help them relocate) than pretending it will all be fine "next year" when in some of the sea ports and coastal villages they won't be. There are some Western villages in Coastal Ireland that have no way in or out except by walking over huge mounds of rubble since the FIRST storm (and I have lost count of them at this point) because the roads just washed away.

Weather goes through cycles, and it doesn't have a thing to do with "global warming", but of course try to tell the elites that.

In my girlhood, (1960's) a hurricane was almost a "legendary" thing; we'd heard of the 'big' ones of years PAST, but that was exactly how we thought of it---PAST. Galveston was almost 100 years prior--the last 'big' storms had been decades ago--so the folks on the coast tended to think "Well, that was all THEN; "we" don't HAVE those kinds of storms anymore," and so they built RIGHT UP TO THE COAST. Luxury high-rise hotels, vacation spots, etc.

There was a REASON the early native-American settlers did NOT locate their villages RIGHT ON THE BEACH.

The 70's I remember as relatively calm, also---the 80's less so, the 90's even worse, and of course now we realize we're full-on back into the part of the cycle where severe storms are the rule rather than the exception.

Should all things continue, however, I expect we'll get back into another "calmer" cycle, and everyone will forget (again), and start building right up to the very water's edge.

Nature is NOT tame.

We are fools to treat it so.

 

[NC Susan]

1. Year of the Wood Horse Predictions 2014 - Edgar Lok Tin Yung
   
   
   www.fengshuitoday.org/features/year-wood-horse-feng-shui... CachedYear of the Wood Horse Predictions 2014 ... The Heaven Luck (predicts major issues of the world and weather). The Earth Luck (Feng Shui for homes and offices.)
   

1. There will be bushfires burning out of control, most likely in the South area, such as Indonesia, Philippines, South Australia, Southern Tasmania, and South Island in New Zealand. (Last year 2013, I predicted fire in the Southeast. It was NSW bushfire in October/November 2013). Make sure you have a good fire plan.


2. Extremely hot weather in year of the Horse 2014. It brings natural disasters in March, April May, September, October and November such as heavy rains, hurricanes, typhoons and bushfire. March, April and May will be more disasters in the Southern hemisphere and September, October, November will be more disasters in the Northern hemisphere. The Year of the Horse 2014 has only 3 dragons producing water. The more number of the dragons (maximum up to 12) which produce water, the more rainfall it produces for the year. Therefore 2014 will be a year with less rainfall.



http://thefederationoflight.ning.co...c-weather-report-2014-year-of-the-green-horse

snip >............ As the Year of the Snake culminates a year of shedding, there's a lot of rawness and bruises in the air. The task ending in 2013 is the job of releasing everything that no longer serves the new you that's been struggling to emerge from the skin of the past. January is the final month of the Snake when whatever you've needed to release that you haven't yet, will be exacerbated until you do.
On the final day of January the Green Horse takes over from the Snake, and in oriental thought green is the element of wood, which means structure is an issue this year. Numerologically 2014 is a 7 year, a year of Testing, therefore the Green Horse is likely to test your life structures and draw your attention to any gap that exists between the vast fertile fields of your creative imagination and the life you're living.

......< end snip more at link

 

[cmm]

Melodi:

I really appreciate your posts. I wasn't aware of the extent of damage to the Western villages in Coastal Ireland. Do you have any links?

P.S. My Dad was from Sligo. I have a great love for Ireland - just saw on the internet the other day where Barney McKenna, one of my all-time favourite musicians , died. I had just finished watching the 50th anniversary show of the Dubliners, one of my all-time favourite groups. I saw them live a number of times.

Sorry for the thread drift.

 

[Melodi]

No problem with thread drift just didn't see this earlier today- I'll have to look as a lot of the roads were washed out in the first storms early in January, this is what is supposed to be in store for this weekend here - the UK has finally called in the military - both Marines and Army to deal with the flooded South East.


Heavy rain threatens swollen river systems
12 44
Friday 07 February 2014 19.36

An aerial view of flooded lands (Pic: Irish Air Corps)

An aerial view of flooded lands (Pic: Irish Air Corps) An aerial view of flooded lands (Pic: Irish Air Corps)

http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0207/502823-weather/

The National Co-ordination Group has warned that heavy rain over the next 48 hours is likely to cause swollen rivers to flood.

The risk is heightened in slow moving rivers, such as the Shannon, the Blackwater, the Nore, the Slaney and the Barrow.

The group has advised people to heed weather warnings and says local authorities are on high alert.
Interview with Gerald Fleming of Met Éireann
RELATED AUDIO & VIDEO

Watch: Interview with Gerald Fleming of Met Éireann
Watch: Flood defence works to begin in Cork
Watch: Local authorities on high alert ahead of expected floods

MORE RELATED CLIPS +

Met Éireann has forecast particularly heavy rainfall in Munster.

National Co-ordination Group chairman Brian Kenny said people should keep an eye on what is happening in their local rivers and continue to monitor the weather warnings.

He said: "Any of our slow moving rivers will be more prone to flooding.

"This is because they are by nature flatter and therefore the flood waters spread more quickly."

"They also pass through major urban centres," he said.

Gerald Fleming of Met Éireann said the weather "we're experiencing isn't unusual for Ireland, although we haven't had such bad conditions in almost 15 years".

He said in the early 1990s Ireland experienced worse weather than "what we're going through" now.

Mr Fleming said a large storm system will pass over the country that is going to bring heavy rain this evening.

More heavy showers are forecast for tomorrow.

He said some rivers still rising in response to rain that fell three or four days ago.

Another weather system is moving in for Monday and Tuesday and Met Éireann has warned of bad weather lasting through next week and beyond.

Meanwhile, Helen Faughnan, from the Department of Social Protection, said officials administering aid to those hit by flooding can be reached either at emergency clinics or will be calling door-to-door.

She said: "At the minute the main requirements are toiletries, clothing, food in some cases, and emergency accommodation.

"If the local authority are not in a position to rehouse somebody, we are making the payments to house them."

Garda Inspector John Ferris has appealed to parents to be extra diligent with their young families.

He said: "We would appeal to parents in particular to exercise great care in and around waterways and piers in stormy conditions.

"Nature is beautiful but nature can be a beast. And it's very important that what can appear to be recreational and great fun doesn't end up in tragedy."

He said the gardaí have to call on the coastguard to go out and rescue these people.

 

[Melodi]

I was living here 15 years ago and while we did have some really severe storms and flooding there were not this many, all in a row of the same strength. Rather, there were two huge storms about 2 years apart that did about the same amounts of damage and sounded like any ONE of the storms we are having now and I agree the climate does come in cycles, but there is also such a thing as real sea level rise or lowering that the Ocean just does sometimes. It did it in a bid way in the Migration Age (aka the Dark Ages to non-historians) which had very similar weather patterns to what we are seeing now, at least from the description and long-term a lot of people had to get up and move when the sea and the rivers just washed away their land. That period was actually COLDER than the Roman period but the sea levels went up anyway. I think it is a very sad day when because of people using it for their own agenda that simple words used by historians or meteorologists to describe something real aka "there was a climate change during such and such a period) to instead of simply stating a fact becomes instead part of some political message.

Climate changes, it is always changing and right now it looks like Europe (and parts of North America) are going through a colder Winter/Warmer Summer period with advanced severe Winter weather levels (snow/ice some years and severe floods/wind/rain other years) with a lot of destructive tidal and water actions that may be simple coastal erosion from the constant battering of the high tides or it could be a real sea level rise (or land sinking) it is hard to tell for awhile yet.

Tonight it seems it is "Storm Ruth" moving in (I wish they would use the same names on both sides of the Atlantic *sigh*)
Garda warning: Use common sense and don't place loved ones in danger

07 February 2014
Gardai have warned parents to to ‘‘use common sense and not to place their loved ones in danger" this weekend as the Atlantic storm hits.

Relief fund created to help Limerick flood victims
[TICON-A VIDEO] 12 counties on flood alert as rivers ready to burst

[TICON-A VIDEO] Atlantic storm Ruth set to wreak havoc this weekend
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The latest storm is set to wreak havoc across the country with Met Eireann imposing a status orange gale alert and yellow alert for risk of flooding.

The Coast Guard has also warned parents to be vigilant at the coast or at water ways inland.

"It is important for parents to be especially vigilant over the next few days and use common sense when taking children out near the coast or inland water ways,” the Coast Guard's Chief of Operations Eugene Clonan said.

Between this evening and Sunday, the country can expect up to 5cm of rain.

Gardai have warned people to exercise great care on exposed piers, cliff walks and waterways prone to flooding.

Garda spokesperson Superintendent David Taylor said: "People need to recognise the destructive and dangerous power of nature and exercise extreme caution when close to areas such as cliff walks, harbours, rivers and lakes."

The rain will clear to showers later tonight but southerly winds will remain strong and blustery.

Temperatures will remain at a chilly 3 to 5 degrees.

Torrential rainfall is forecast over the next 48 hours, raising fears that more homes and businesses will be flooded.

Motorists in Cork have reported poor visibility on the roads according to AA Roadwatch.

‘‘Drivers need to be vigilant; slow down, watch out for fallen debris and be prepared to encounter localised flooding,’’ the traffic and travel provider warned.

An Atlantic depression will move eastwards across Ireland from 6pm this evening.

It is set to continue into Saturday morning bringing strong southerly winds and heavy rain.

Heavy showers will increase the risk of localised flooding and southerly winds will reach gusts of up to 110 km/hr.

Fota Wildlife Park in Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork will be closed tomorrow due to the expected bad weather for the safety of the animals and public.

A local radio station is running an ad campaign urging people to support local businesses after the recent flooding.
http://www.independent.ie/irish-new...dont-place-loved-ones-in-danger-29989005.html

 

[WildDaisy]

Weird weather hitting all over the globe. Makes ya wonder, huh. God is ticked.

 

[Richard]

OK people in the affected low lying and coastal areas of the UK will demand more flood protection etc, but don't forget this rainfall is the worst since 1852, although a lot of rivers have overflowed, the normal river flow is very much lower than "normal" due to the mass abstraction of river water for domestic use
the amount of rainfall now has been exceptional, no man made system can combat the amount of water that has fallen from the skies

I have noticed that the natural drainage system can cope with copious amounts of water given a brief respite from rainfall, the Thames is coping even though it is overflowing, in the past certain parts of the UK were regularly flooded then there has been a long period of dryness and abstractness of water to cope with demand

a lot of rivers used to be practically dry compared with years ago, IMO although the rainfall had been excessive in a short period of time, the levels of flooding are not insurmountable

 

[Melodi]

And now for the UK...

Environment Agency chief ducks questions about quitting as he finally pays visit to storm-hit Levels – six weeks into crisis

Steven Morris
Steven Morris
The Guardian, Friday 7 February 2014 20.13 GMT

Lord Smith visits Somerset Levels
Lord Smith, chair of the Environment Agency, centre, inspects the convergence of the Tone and Parrett rivers, near Burrowbridge, in Somerset on Friday. Photograph: Adam Gray/SWNS.com

As a secretary of state he strode the corridors of power in Whitehall. On Friday Chris Smith, now Lord Smith of Finsbury, was to be found scuttling around the flood-stricken Somerset Levels, ducking the question of whether he should resign his job as chairman of the Environment Agency (EA), refusing to apologise for any errors and failing to impress the locals who are desperate for clear answers about their homes and livelihoods.

The centrepoint of Smith's visit to the Levels, his first since the area started going under water six weeks ago was the Willow and Wetlands visitor centre in Stoke St Gregory, which the Coate family has farmed for almost two centuries. Smith met parents who had been flooded out of their homes in the village of Moorland, tough farmers who have been reduced to tears as they moved cattle out of the rising water, businesspeople whose potential profits have been crushed by the weight of water that continues to pour in.

As Royal Marines continued to build sandbag defences across the moor, Smith spent half an hour inside a converted storage shed trying to convince people that his organisation was on top of the situation. A Somerset MP, Ian Liddell-Grainger, was cheerfully threatening to "stick his head down the loo", but happily for Smith, the MP could not find him. On the other hand, the press pack was, if anything, more hostile than the locals.

"I'm very proud of the work Environment Agency staff have been doing up and down the country," Smith insisted. "We have been faced with the most extreme weather we've seen for years."

He claimed he was "misquoted" over his suggestion that a choice had to be made between the town and country – though the thought was taken from his own article in the Telegraph. Smith declined the invitations to say sorry and refused to say clearly mistakes had been made. But he did make it clear that he wasn't for resigning. At least he had wellies on (unlike the environment secretary, Owen Paterson, who was mocked for turning up in smart city shoes).

But the wellies were not caked with mud and slime as everybody else's were. The Willows centre is on high ground. When was he going to go and see the flooded villages such as Moorland, where just hours before people had been woken by knocks on their frontdoors from the emergency services and strongly advised to leave?

Smith said he did not want to get in the way of the rescue effort. It was not a convincing explanation as flood-hit villages have welcomed visitors – from a small army of reporters, photographers and camera crews to the Prince of Wales who made a controlled, elegant, nicely judged visit earlier this week. The agony was ended when a kindly local councillor hauled Smith back into the meeting. He chatted for another half-hour before taking a tour of the farm, his wellies remaining pristine.

To be fair, much of what he said during the farm tour made sense. The millions the government has promised would be used to dredge the rivers Parrett and Tone. "We need to find longer term solutions for the protection of the Somerset Levels and that means looking at things like land use, the way the upper catchment is used, stopping water coming into the levels, looking at the exit of the water. That is longer-term work and is even more important in the long term than the dredging."

But yet again Smith refused to apologise. He seemed to blame others. "What I have been doing is explaining what the situation has been over recent years, the funding constraints, the Treasury rules we have had to abide by, the money that we did put on the table for dredging and the work that our staff at the Environment Agency have been doing day in and day out. We've had the biggest pumping operation we've ever had over recent days and I pay a lot of tribute to the staff who have been doing that."

He was still politically cute enough not to pause in front of a collection of wicker coffins as his tour ended and was then whisked off to Burrowbridge, in the heart of the Levels, where firefighters from around the UK have joined EA workers to pump out. Here Smith's wellies did lap water – but it was shallow, clean-looking, not like the polluted mess that has poured through peoples' homes and businesses.

Jim Winkworth, a farmer and landlord of the King Alfred pub in Burrowbridge, looked on sceptically. Asked how he felt by Smith's refusal to apologise, he said: "Bloody mad. We thought that's the least he could do today and he's not apologising or admitting any liability. He hasn't come down here to apologise, which is what he should be here for. If you apologise it means you're admitting you got it wrong, I made a mistake, I'm sorry, I messed up."

Winkworth, resplendent in his Flooding on the Levels Action Group (Flag) hoodie, said whoever replaced Smith when he steps down later this year needed to listen to people on the ground and "actually kick some arse, get some work done". Wasn't he the scapegoat in all this? "He is the man in charge with the answers and he should be giving us the answers," said Winkworth. "He is letting himself down, he is letting his organisation down and he is letting us down."

Others were more sympathetic. Company director Liz Parris, who evacuated from her home in Moorland with her husband and two dogs and currently has a foot of water in her home, said: "People are angry. I can understand that.

Smith is here now and I am not going to undermine talks with him. Let's see what he has to say, let's give him a chance." But she said mistakes had been made. "The people who have farmed this area, lived in this area, managed this area for many, many years were calling before Christmas to turn on the pumps and drain water off the land. That was ignored."

The visit was over and Smith headed away. As he left, the prime minister's helicopter must have been heading to Somerset. Smith took the flak, Cameron's visit was to be much more calm and controlled. Back at the Willow centre, Jonathan Coate pointed out that much more heavy rain was predicted and water stored on the higher land where he lives still has to make its way into villages like Moorland. "There's more rain to come, more flooding to come," he said. And more awkward questions to come for Lord Smith of Finsbury.

 

[Marthanoir]

Met Eireann have said there's another 10 days at least of this, with 2 storms lined up for next week out in the Atlantic,

The wind is howling out there, sounds like the Banshee

 

[Richard]

I can't see how the excessive rainfall has anything to do with Govt, the current drainage systems have been in place for years, and no-one has questioned them, and they can't be suddenly replaced, the Labour Govt did no better in improving flood control

what it does show however that Govt of whatever party has to focus on national essentials to protect the environment, not on benefits, Whitehall or useless posts in local Govt

 

[Melodi]

Forecasters warn of an 'absolute monster' as Met office says UK will be 'engulfed'

Forecasters warn of an 'absolute monster' as Met office says UK will be 'engulfed' by rain as worst of a 'conveyor belt of storms' set to hit the country
Tomas Jivanda

Friday 07 February 2014





Britain is braced for further travel and power network disruption as a new Atlantic storm is set to batter Britain this weekend.

Ruth, the worst of a "conveyor belt of storms" will bring winds of up to 80mph and as much as 40mm of rain.

The "absolute monster" storm means waves of up to 35 feet will smash the Cornish coast, forecasters from surf website magicseaweed.com said.

The south of England is currently covered by a Met office severe weather warning for today and Saturday, with spokeswoman Laura Young warning that the whole of the UK will tonight be “engulfed” by heavy rain.

Rain will fall for six hours in southern areas tomorrow and the Environment Agency has issued 153 flood warnings and two severe flood warnings, meaning danger to life.

An Environment Agency Spokesperson said: “Severe weather along the coast is also set to return on Saturday, with large waves and strong winds threatening to cause flooding along the Devon and Dorset coasts where some communities and defences are vulnerable after this week’s storms.

“We’re preparing for yet more heavy rain… which is falling on already saturated ground following the wettest January on record.”

Andy Page, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said: “The unsettled weather will continue over the coming days with heavy rain across the southern half of Britain on Thursday evening into Friday, and that will be quickly followed by another storm moving in early on Saturday.

“This will bring the risk of flooding and damaging winds bringing down trees to cause disruption to travel and power networks.”


Will Stephens, RNLI Coastal Safety Staff Officer, meanwhile warned those visiting the coast to avoid exposed areas where big waves could "sweep you off your feet".

The fresh storm comes as Royal Marines have been drafted in to help evacuate areas of the Somerset Levels as heavy rain last night overwhelmed local defences.

December and January combined have been the wettest combined for more than 100 years, with rain falling on 23 out of 31 days in January across the UK.

 

[cmm]

Thanks for your updates Melodi. This is huge.

 

[Marthanoir]

Yeah baby, we survived another night, there were a few times I thought we might lose slates on the roof but luckily we scraped through fine,
It's still blowing outside but not as bad,
Well it wasn't but it seems to be picking up again,

 

[Melodi]

Was sunny this morning but clouding over again now (we are inland from Marthanoir) the UK got a record break 70 foot plus wave last night, I am glad not to live on the coast..
After eight weeks of rain, come the Atlantic storms


08 February 2014

Related Articles

Coastal counties of Munster, Wexford and Galway are the areas most at risk of flooding today as gusty winds and heavy showers sweep across the country.

All parts will be subjected to widespread heavy and prolonged blustery showers with some thundery downpours.

Some areas of the country suffered minor flooding after last night’s heavy showers.

There is some minor flooding on the Tramore Rd approaching Musgrave Park in Cork City.

In Co. Tipperary, many areas remain closed due to flooding including Convent Rd, Dry Bridge, Old Bridge and the Quays in Clonmel, with local diversions in place.



The Athlone Rd is closed until next Friday due to flooding at Anglers Rest.



Roads are very wet in Galway City and winds are quite strong but there have been no reports of any tress down or flooding.



There is a lot of excess surface water in and around Dungarvan in Co. Waterford but there are no reports of any flooding.



Motorists have been warned to exercise caution if traveling roads by the River Barrow, south of Athy around Maganey.



There is a warning of south west gale to storm-force winds on coasts from Carnsore Point in Co. Wexford to Mizen Head in Co. Cork and to Slyne Head in Galway.



Met Éireann has forecast gusts of 130 km and heavy and prolonged showers all weekend.



The national coordination group which is tasked with severe weather conditions has warned that heavy rainfall will lead to more flooding in places where rivers are already swollen.



Due to the adverse weather conditions a number of Irish ferries and Stena Line sailings have been cancelled today.



AA Roadwatch has warned motorists to be extra vigilant on the roads today during severe gusts and heavy rainfall.



‘‘Slow down, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and watch out for the possibility of debris on the roads and some localised flooding,’’ it warned.



A status orange weather warning, the highest, has been issued for counties in the south along with Wexford and Galway - with winds expected of 130km an hour later this morning as storm Ruth spreads across the country from the west.



A status yellow weather warning is in place for counties Dublin, Louth, Wicklow and Meath.



Overnight the country experienced heavy rain and storm force winds, especially in the south west of the country, which has been battered with heavy rain all week.



There was further rain overnight in the south of the country, with flooding reported in places where rivers are already swollen.



The heavy rain is set to continue throughout today and into tomorrow, with a dry spell expected on Sunday night.



However a potentially devastating series of major storms are brewing in the Atlantic and lining up to lash Ireland next week.



The first will bring torrential rain and gale force winds on Tuesday – and they will continue to batter the country until Friday.



Flood alerts and wind safety warnings have been issued as Ireland braces itself for more Atlantic super-storms and the ninth week of persistent rain.



Now the flooding threat is focused on Irish rivers – especially the slow-moving major waterways of the Shannon, Nore, Blackwater, Suir, Barrow and Slaney.



Those river systems, already at tipping point and engorged with more than nine weeks of rainfall, are the focus of the emergency response this weekend.



But smaller faster running streams and rivers could claim lives. Though they "clear" quickly, they can become raging torrents within 30 minutes after a localised deluge.



Clare County Council confirmed last night that all river systems throughout the county are "very elevated".



The local authority is now convinced significant areas will be flooded.



"Areas in South East Clare which are in the zone of influence of the River Shannon are particularly vulnerable. People in all areas which have previously flooded should be vigilant and should take appropriate precautions."



"The council is closely monitoring the situation particularly in South East Clare and Ennis," they said.



Spring tides have eased, bringing respite to coastal communities battered in the last two weeks, although gale force winds may still cause some coastal flooding.



Ger Fleming of Met Eireann told the Irish Independent that the low pressure system that brought rains, first to Munster, and then most of the country last night will sit over the country until tomorrow and generate intense showers and downpours throughout the weekend.



"From 6pm Friday to 6pm on Sunday we would anticipate that, especially Munster, will get 40 to 50mm of rain. Munster is the area which will get the worst of it."



With winds expected to gust to more than 70kph today several major facilities took the decision to close on safety grounds.



Fota Wildlife Park in Cork said the potential threat of falling trees prompted them to close today though they will re-open tomorrow.



Met Eireann admitted Ireland hasn't suffered such a sustained period of severe Atlantic storms since the late 90s.



Torrential rainfall over the weekend will be followed by further heavy rain and strong winds from Tuesday which will continue until Friday.



And experts have now warned it is only a matter of time before major rivers break their banks.



Both Limerick and Cork city suffered over €50m worth of flood damage in 36 hours in recent days.



Councils, gardai and Irish Water Safety have pleaded with people to stay away from swollen streams and rivers – and to be particularly vigilant with children near waterways. The army is also on standby.



Flood alerts remain in place in 12 counties and major flood alerts remain in place for Enniscorthy, Fermoy, Bandon, Athy, Athlone and other towns in the Shannon basin.



Limerick County Council engineers warned that there is now a serious threat of localised flooding upstream of Limerick city.



Council services director, Paul Crowe, said that saturated rivers and streams may be unable to cope with the torrential rainfall forecast for the next 36-48 hours.



"We are also in constant contact with the ESB regarding the elevated water levels on the Lower River Shannon."



In Cork, the Blackwater and Lee are being monitored on an hourly basis with the greatest flooding concern switching away from Cork city towards regional towns including Fermoy, Bandon, Clonakilty, Carrigaline and Cobh.



Cobh residents warned that emergency works are required after the town was virtually cut-off twice in the space of 36 hours last week when Belvelly Bridge flooded.



The bridge is the only access to Great Island, on which Cobh is built, from the mainland.



For almost an hour last Monday the cross-river ferry couldn't operate and Belvelly Bridge was impassable to ordinary vehicles due to flooding.



A special 4x4 ambulance remains on standby in case of an emergency call out.



The extreme weather is also having a devastating impact on Ireland's coastal fishermen who operate from vessels under 15m in length. Virtually the entire fleet has been kept in port for the past fortnight given the storms raging off the coast.



The Irish Red Cross has indicated it hopes to be able to provide up to €1,000 per household for families in dire need due to flood damage.



The charity has appealed for public support for those who have borne the brunt of flood-related damage since Christmas.

 

[Melodi]

Met Éireann forecasts further stormy conditions

Met Éireann forecasts further stormy conditions
14 28
Saturday 08 February 2014 11.57
The latest rainfall radar as of 10am (Pic: Met Éireann) The latest rainfall radar as of 10am (Pic: Met Éireann)

Met Éireann has issued wind warnings in addition to forecasting stormy conditions and prolonged showers.

It has issued a Status Orange weather warning for Munster along with counties Wexford and Galway - with winds gusting up to 130km an hour.

AA Roadwatch has reported some flooding in counties Offaly and Tipperary.

A Status Yellow weather warning is in place for counties Dublin, Louth, Wicklow and Meath.

Status Orange asks the public to be prepared for the bad weather, while Status Yellow asks the public to be aware.

The National Co-ordination Group, which is tasked with responding to severe weather conditions, has warned that heavy rainfall could lead to more flooding in places where rivers are already swollen.

Due to the adverse weather, Irish ferries has cancelled its swift sailings to and from Holyhead. All intending passengers will be accommodated on the cruise ferry sailings.

Stena Line has also cancelled its Dublin to Holyhead sailings today as well as it's 12.30pm Rosslare to Fishguard sailing.

All intending passengers are urged to check the website of their travel operator for information.

 

[Melodi]

The "absolute monster" storm

UK weather: Worst is yet to come as Atlantic storm Ruth to batter Britain this weekend bringing 80mph winds and 35ft waves

Forecasters warn of an 'absolute monster' as Met office says UK will be 'engulfed' by rain as worst of a 'conveyor belt of storms' set to hit the country
Tomas Jivanda and Lizzie Dearden

Friday 07 February 2014

Britain is braced for further travel and power network disruption as a new Atlantic storm batters Britain this weekend.

Ruth, the worst of a "conveyor belt of storms" will bring winds of up to 80mph and as much as 40mm of rain.

The "absolute monster" storm means waves of up to 35 feet will smash the Cornish coast, forecasters from surf website magicseaweed.com said.

The south of England and Wales is currently covered by a Met office severe weather warning for Saturday for gales, torrential rain and huge waves.
Latest: Travel disruption, damage and more floods expected as Storm Ruth arrives

Rain will fall for six hours in southern areas on Saturday and the Environment Agency has issued 194 flood warnings and two severe flood warnings, meaning danger to life.

An Environment Agency Spokesperson said: “Severe weather along the coast is also set to return on Saturday, with large waves and strong winds threatening to cause flooding along the Devon and Dorset coasts where some communities and defences are vulnerable after this week’s storms.

“We’re preparing for yet more heavy rain… which is falling on already saturated ground following the wettest January on record.”

Andy Page, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said: “The unsettled weather will continue over the coming days with heavy rain across the southern half of Britain on Thursday evening into Friday, and that will be quickly followed by another storm moving in early on Saturday.

“This will bring the risk of flooding and damaging winds bringing down trees to cause disruption to travel and power networks.”

Read more:

Fury rises with the flood waters causing havoc
Out of his depth? The man who refused to be moved
Residents rage at peer while Somerset drowns

Will Stephens, RNLI Coastal Safety Staff Officer, meanwhile warned those visiting the coast to avoid exposed areas where big waves could "sweep you off your feet".

The fresh storm comes as Royal Marines have been drafted in to help evacuate areas of the Somerset Levels as heavy rain last night overwhelmed local defences.

December and January combined have been the wettest combined for more than 100 years, with rain falling on 23 out of 31 days in January across the UK.

 

[Giblin]

Thanks for the updates. Praying for all of you across the pond.

 

[Melodi]

UK floods: Southern UK set for gales and more rain

BBC News UK
8 February 2014 Last updated at 11:50 GMT
UK floods: Southern UK set for gales and more rain

Southern parts of the UK are again being hit by rain and strong winds with forecasters warning of gales to come.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for high winds in south Wales and south-west England, with 60-70 mph coastal gusts and large waves expected.

The warning, which is valid until 06:00 GMT on Sunday, says gusts could reach 80mph in exposed locations.

Coastguards in Devon say they are expecting "phenomenal" waves off shore, possibly reaching 45ft (14m) in height.

The Ministry of Defence has put 1,500 personnel on notice to help in southern England if needed.

Late on Saturday morning, about 120 homes in the Bournemouth and Petersfield areas were without electricity.

More than 300 homes in Cornwall also had no power.

In Dawlish, where the key railway line between Devon and Cornwall has been destroyed by waves, concrete has been sprayed onto the cliff behind the track.

The aim is to make the area safer, with more high winds and large waves expected.

The BBC's Jenny Hill, in Paignton on the south Devon coast, says the main concern is the high tide between 11:00 and 12:00 GMT.

"Waves will get higher and higher, impacting sea defences which have already taken quite a battering," she said.

The Environment Agency says there is a significant risk of further flooding on Saturday throughout Devon and Cornwall.

The Conservative MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, Ian Liddell-Grainger, said river levels in his constituency remained "enormously high" and people there were "having to batten down again to prepare for the next storm".

He again criticised the Environment Agency and its head, the former Labour cabinet minister Lord Smith, for not dredging in the area to prepare for storms.

"We have been let down by London," he said. "On the ground they [Environment Agency staff] are working hard. Up in London I do not know what they are doing."

The Prospect union, which represents staff in the Environment Agency, rejected the comments, saying there was a "concerted effort to criticise the Environment Agency rather than those who have cut their budget by £45m a year".

Supt Ian Wylie of Avon and Somerset police said agencies working in the area were constantly trying to plan ahead but there would be no quick solutions.

"The biggest challenge is the longevity of this," he said. "The bucket really is full. Any more rain is compounding the problem.

"It is going to be a number of weeks before this response phase moves into recovery."
Yellow warning

An amber rain warning for southern England expired at 06:00 GMT, but a less severe yellow warning is valid until 06:00 GMT on Sunday.

The yellow warning covers the entire south of England plus parts of the Midlands and much of Wales.

Jacob Cope, of the BBC Weather Centre, said winds would strengthen through the day and peak in the mid-afternoon.

He said the high wind speeds would continue through the evening before easing early on Sunday.

Even in some inland areas, winds of 40-50mph would be seen, he added.

He also warned that Wales, north-west England and south-west Scotland could get 20-30mm (1in) of rain through the course of Saturday.

Forecasters said most areas would have some respite from the bad weather on Sunday.

Monday would be a quiet day but wet and windy weather would return on Tuesday.

In other developments:

The Environment Agency is moving more staff from north-west England to flood-hit areas further south
Transport operators say some disruption still exists but the picture is improving

Flybe is increasing its number of weekday flights between Gatwick and Newquay in Cornwall to six from three

Rail operator First Great Western has put in place special ticketing arrangements so that passengers affected by flood disruption can buy cheaper advance fares while revised timetables are put in place

Speed restrictions are in place across much of the rail network in Kent because of high winds and the likelihood of debris on the track

A landslip at Meopham is causing disruption to rail services between London and Gillingham

The Cumbrian Coast line is due to reopen on Monday after weeks of repairs from a storm surge
On the M25, two of four lanes were closed clockwise between Junction 16 and 17 because of flooding

In the same area, link roads from the M40 onto the M25 clockwise were closed as flooding spread from surrounding fields onto the carriageway. The Highways Agency said normal traffic conditions should be restored by 12:00 GMT

Fire crews are dealing with rising floodwater which is threatening an important electricity substation near Reading. They are bringing in a high-volume pump from Hertfordshire because Berkshire's pump is being used in Somerset. The substation is thought to serve about 40,000 homes and businesses

The Cabinet Office said the government's Cobra emergency committee would continue to meet throughout the weekend.

Defences breached

At Kingsand in Cornwall, where dozens of homes were damaged by huge waves on Wednesday, the BBC's Dominic Hurst said Friday night's high tide passed with "no apparent new damage" to properties.

The Environment Agency has three severe flood warnings - which mean "danger to life" - in place, two in Somerset and one for Chiswell in the Isle of Portland.

The agency has also issued about 190 flood warnings and more than 300 flood alerts.

One of the areas covered by a severe flood warning is the village of Moorland, where about 80 homes were evacuated after the local water level rose by about one metre overnight on Thursday, breaching temporary flood defences in the early hours of Friday.

On Friday Prime Minister David Cameron and Lord Smith visited the Somerset Levels, which have been severely affected by flooding for several weeks.

Resident Jim Winkworth accused Lord Smith of "letting everyone down" by not doing more to help, but Lord Smith said he was proud of the work his agency had done.

Mr Cameron admitted there were "lessons to learn" from the flooding in Somerset.

On Wednesday, the prime minister announced an extra £100m would be spent over the next year tackling the aftermath of recent flooding.

But according to a report in the Times, a letter was sent to the Downing Street last summer warning of the danger of flooding in the Somerset Levels.

The letter requested help to fund dredging, but it was passed to the floods minister and he rejected the plea, the newspaper reported.

Have you been affected by the flooding? Are you preparing for more bad weather? Send us your comments and pictures using the form below. When sending us pictures, video or eyewitness accounts at no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.

Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.

Read the terms and conditions
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[Marthanoir]

Was sunny this morning but clouding over again now (we are inland from Marthanoir) the UK got a record break 70 foot plus wave last night, I am glad not to live on the coast..
After eight weeks of rain, come the Atlantic storms

It's pretty hairy alright, but we all have 4x4s and the houses are built sturdy, well all the traditional houses are, most the new builds are just as shody as the rest of the country,
The electricty is coming and going but we can live with that,
I don't think there's going to be much farming done this year,
The important thing is to watch out for you neighbours and your local community and make sure everybody is warm & fed

 

[Shacknasty Shagrat]

Melodi,
How are things coming along?
Thank you again for the pix.
SS

 

[Melodi]

The West Country is now completely cut off by rail

UK weather: No respite from storms set to continue into next week

More than 500 flood warnings and alerts issued
Lizzie Dearden

Saturday 08 February 2014

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/u...s-set-to-continue-into-next-week-9116535.html

Forecasters have warned that there is more extreme weather to come next week as Storm Ruth batters Britain with gales, torrential rain, huge waves and yet more flooding.

Gusts of up to 80mph across southern England and Wales are causing power cuts, travel disruption and damage to property, combined with a deluge of up to 40mm of rain in places.

The West Country is now completely cut off by rail following a landslip on the line at Crewkerne in Somerset and flooding at nearby Bridgwater and Athelney.

The latest blow comes days after a stretch of the rail line connecting Cornwall to the rest of the country fell into the sea at Dawlish in Devon, when an 80 metre stretch of the sea wall was destroyed by high tides and stormy seas.

The winds have whipped up waves of up to 35 feet in Cornwall and along other exposed coastal areas, prompting warnings from the RNLI that onlookers could be “swept off their feet”. Forecasters from surf website magicseaweed.com have dubbed the storm an "absolute monster".

Severe weather warnings are in place, urging people to make provision for further flooding and power outages.

The Environment Agency has issued more than 500 flood warnings and alerts across the country, two of which pose “a danger to life”.

The misery caused by the wettest January on record shows no sign of abating, with forecasters warning of a “conveyor belt of storms” on their way to the UK.


Paul Gundersen, Met Office chief meteorologist, said: “We have another Atlantic storm bringing gales and heavy downpours to many parts of the UK this weekend.

"Monday is expected to bring a brief respite from the stormy conditions before more strong winds and rain set in from the west on Tuesday.

"This will bring the continuing risk of flooding and damaging winds bringing down trees to cause disruption to travel and power networks."

Amid growing discontent, Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has ordered an audit of flood defences following Friday’s meeting of Cobra.

It was the second time the government’s emergency committee has met to address the flood crisis.

Mr Pickles said: "We continue to make sure every preparation is made before the severe weather expected this weekend and the following days.

"I want to pay tribute to all the people who have rallied to support those communities affected.

"I want to reassure the country that everything possible is being done to help those communities affected by these terrible storms, and work to be prepared for any further bad weather we may see in the days ahead."

Changes to the Bellwin scheme, which reimburses local authorities following disasters, should mean an extra £15million is available to cover the costs of defending properties in affected areas.

Gatwick Airport has waived fees for additional Flybe flights between Newquay and London to alleviate pressure on the transport system in the south west. .

The Ministry of Defence has put 1,500 personnel on standby to help in the south if needed.

The fresh storm comes as Royal Marines have been drafted in to help evacuate areas of the Somerset Levels after heavy rain overwhelmed local defences.

Since before Christmas, around 5,000 properties have been affected by flooding across the country and thousands more have had power cuts.

Additional reporting by PA

 

[Tundra Gypsy]

Thanks for all the photos and info. I think this is going to be the new norm in weather for the next few years. Countries may have to consider pulling away from the coast lines as storms blast through and waters begin to rise, and let mother nature have her coastlines back....it is time for all of us to reconsider how we deal with storms wherever we live and make those adjustments if we want to survive climate changes.

This isn't about global warming...it is about climate change because of pole shifting, lack of solar activity, and what is going on deep beneath the earth.

 

[almost ready]

Melodi and Marthanoir thanks for the updates.

Tundra Gypsy, I think you've got it. It's a new phase.

I was in a terrible storm on the great lakes once that crumpled up a cement dock like it was tissue paper, and turned over a row of houses right off their foundations to a horizontal position.

It was astonishing, luckily the house I was in was the next row, partly up the hill above the water.

I am thinking of you now and praying for you and your kith and kin.

 

[SAPPHIRE]

May the God of heaven and earth speak peace to all........so sorry to hear of such ongoing devastation.......batten down and I hope you may keep updating on your condition.........this is an awful thing to hear...much less live....

 

[Marthanoir]

Popped round a mates house just down the road, took a photo while down there, this is with the tide out, I didn't hang around for when the tide came in

View attachment 106058

Sky News have just said there's three more storm systems lined up out in the Atlantic