Severe flooding strikes the UK with 'danger to life'

Storms that battered the UK have resulted in hazardous conditions across the south west, Wales, and the Midlands.

15:47 03 January 2014

The storms that battered the west coast has led to flood and transport disruption from the south west up to Scotland. 

On Friday, the Environment Agency issued eight of its most severe flood warnings in place, which equated to a “danger to life” across the south west, Wales, and the Midlands. In addition, the agency issued 183 lesser flood warnings, calling for ‘immediate action’. There are also 231 flood alerts, which tell the people to be prepared.

Pete Fox, head of strategy, said: "Coastal paths and promenades could be highly dangerous as there is an increased risk of being swept out to sea. People are warned to stay away from the shoreline."

Meanwhile, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency issued 38 flood warnings that are focused on the west coast. The Police Service of Northern Ireland also released warnings as well.

A statement released on Friday read: "For Belfast city centre, we expect there could be some flooding in the Clarendon Dock, Corporation Street and Sailortown area at 12 noon. We would encourage people who live in this area to begin taking steps to protect their property."

Due to flood and strong winds, travel across the country has once again been disrupted.

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, who chaired a meeting of the government’s emergencies committee Cobra, said: "We had a range of ministers from right across government attending the meeting, who will be working very closely with local councils, power companies, utility and transport companies, making sure that all of those organisations are absolutely prepared for the bad weather that is coming."