More severe storms on the way

Storms of up to 80mph are forecast for the weekend, with heavy rain likely to bring new flood misery to many areas.

The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for the south-west coast around Plymouth, Lyme Regis and Lynmouth, where many homes, businesses and main roads are expected to be under water.

Heavy rain expected today and tomorrow has also prompted the Agency to issue three flood warnings for the Midlands.

The worst storms will be in the far north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, although winds are not expected to cause as much damage as those earlier in the week.

Residents in the South-East are likely to escape the severe gales but a wet weekend is predicted throughout the region.

At the peak of the storms on Monday, eight people died in accidents in Scotland, northeast England and Yorkshire. Tens of thousands of homes were left without electricity and repair bills are expected to run into millions of pounds.

A Met Office spokesman said today: "It is going to be a thoroughly unpleasant weekend for many areas of Britain.

"In the North there will be gales, possibly up to force nine, and torrential rain. We are advising motorists in the North-West to stay indoors. We are facing a very testing few days.

"Sunday is likely to be a very wet day in London."