Weather in the general media (Newspaper features etc)

[Summer Sun]

Winter Blast Dumps Heavy Snow In Northeast US

 

A fierce winter storm has dumped more than a foot of snow (30cm) in states across the US Mid-Atlantic and northeast, closing government offices, causing flights to be cancelled and leaving roads gridlocked. The storm swirled over a 1,000-mile (1,600km) stretch from Kentucky to Massachusetts, with towns and cities along the Philadelphia-Boston corridor among the worst affected. It comes just two weeks after an icy blast triggered by a kink in the polar vortex sent temperatures plummeting to record lows.

 

The latest bout of wintry weather dumped around 40cm of snow in Manalapan, New Jersey, while Brookhaven, Pennsylvania, got 38cm and parts of New York City had 25cm. A driver died when his car hit a lorry on a snow-covered road around 50 miles (80km) northwest of Baltimore, Maryland, and two people were killed elsewhere in the state when two vehicles crashed in slippery conditions. Around 3,000 flights were cancelled on Tuesday, with another 1,000 pulled from Wednesday's departure boards.

 

Trains were also affected, with Amtrak planning to run fewer trains on many of its lines. In Washington, the federal government closed its offices and workers were told to stay home. Schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky stayed closed for an extra day after the Martin Luther King Jr Day holiday or sent students home early. The National Weather Service posted a blizzard warning for parts of Massachusetts, where residents were told to stay indoors. Forecasters warned the storm could be followed by a bitter cold snap as arctic air from Canada blows in, with temperatures predicted to fall below -12C (10F) in many northern, northeastern and central states.

 

http://news.sky.com/story/1198992/winter-blast-dumps-heavy-snow-in-northeast-us

[Coast]

 

 

WHAT a difference a year can make, as these amazing photos testify. While we may be bemoaning having to occasionally de-ice our windscreens, the weather is practically balmy compared to last year's freezing temperatures and snow.

 

For example Peter Bigwood from Whitchurch wrote to us on January 20, 2013: "Here we go again. Another year, four inches of snow and Bristol once again grinds to a halt despite the council and Highways Authority receiving days of notice that a heavy fall of the white stuff was due." Indeed, 52 weeks ago Bristol was experiencing lows of -2°C and a high not even reaching 3°C.

 

Both Bristol Rugby and Bristol Rovers had to postpone planned fixtures against Cardiff and Exeter City respectively because not only was the pitch frozen, but the terraces and approaches to the stadium were unsafe for supporters. The Met Office issued a yellow ice warning for the area, warning people of the perils of the roads, forecasting more snow and the risk of rural areas hitting as low as -7°C.

 

Most schools in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and B&NES council areas closed, bus services were suspended and 30 flights were cancelled at Bristol Airport. Rail services were disrupted, and although various councils had gritters out on primary routes a lot of roads were dangerous, with reports of drivers abandoning cars on Bridge Valley Road in Clifton and on the A420 through St George. And the entire Bristol Acoustic Music Festival at St George's was called off.

 

So with the lows of -1°C expected this coming Friday and highs of 8°C expected much of the week we should be counting ourselves lucky. Dan Williams at the Met Office said yesterday that, like December, January had continued to be very mild for the time of year, thus providing a huge contrast to the conditions last year. "This winter has been mild in general with December 8 the mildest since records began in 1910," he said.

 

"January continues to be very mild with above average temperatures prevalent, especially in England. "This time last year Bristol was faced with snow, ice and freezing conditions with temperatures well below average but this year it's completely the opposite. It demonstrates how variable UK weather can be."

 

 

 

http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/DIFFERENCE-YEAR-MAKES/story-20470427-detail/story.html#ixzz2r7qrtHFu

[Summer Sun]

Climate change is NOT main cause of floods, say experts: Building on plains and cutting down trees are among the true reasons

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2543600/Climate-change-NOT-main-cause-floods-say-experts-Building-plains-cutting-trees-true-reasons.html

[Summer Sun]

More flood misery and 10in of rain to bring more weather chaos

 

TORRENTIAL downpours for a week are set to plunge parts of Britain back into flood misery, forecasters warned last night. Another 10 inches of rain could fall by the end of the month as a series of deep Atlantic low pressure systems whip up 80mph gales. The onslaught will begin tomorrow with little let-up until the beginning of February. Temperatures are also set to plunge at the weekend with rain over Scotland and the North rapidly turning to heavy snow. Cumbria saw snowfalls yesterday. Showers over the next week will more than double the total rainfall of eight inches since the beginning of December to beat the existing record of 16 inches set in the winter of 1914-15. The winter average is nine inches.

 

The Met Office said tomorrow will bring 12 hours of non-stop rain with the flood-hit South once again in the firing line. A severe weather warning is in place for tomorrow across the entire UK with flooding and travel disruption expected. Spokeswoman Nicky Maxey said: “It is going to be wet and windy. On Friday the issue is that we have 12 hours of rain crossing the country. On Sunday there is six hours of non-stop rain expected, and the whole country will see showers. “There is a major system coming through, bringing widespread heavy rain. “The impact will be greatest in the South-west where there has been flooding already.

 

The Environment Agency has 95 flood alerts and 11 more serious flood warnings in place around the country. A spokesman said: “It is expected that this additional rain will exacerbate ongoing flooding across swollen rivers and in areas with high groundwater levels. “Impacts could include flooding affecting properties and parts of communities and disruption to travel.†Jonathan Powell, of Vantage Weather Services, said Britain faces a relentless deluge for the next week. He warned temperatures will dip to -6C (21F) in the North, triggering wintry showers while several inches of rain will hit the rest of the country. He said: “There is a line of low pressure systems which will deliver a week of rain across the entire country, spelling more flood misery. Friday and Sunday are looking like key days. The most persistent and heavy spells of rain could each dump up to five inches of rain on top of the showers we are expecting.†Rescue teams were last night searching for an angler who is feared to have been washed out to sea near Rumps Point in Polzeath, north Cornwall.

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/455536/More-flood-misery-and-10in-of-rain-to-bring-more-weather-chaos

Edited January 23, 2014 by Summer Sun

[TonyH]

10 inches in one week yeah sure Express

[Bobby]

10 inches in one week yeah sure Express

 

Showers over the next week will more than double the total rainfall of eight inches since the beginning of December to beat the existing record of 16 inches set in the winter of 1914-15. The winter average is nine inches.

 

10 inches of rain nationwide from "showers" in a week... words fail.

Edited January 24, 2014 by Bobby

[Summer Sun]

Brace yourselves for 80mph gales and snow to batter Britain

 

STORMS will rage across the country again this weekend with 80mph winds, heavy rain and even snow. Another vicious weather system will sweep in from the Atlantic tomorrow, with gales and torrential, driving rain threatening chaos. The Met Office has issued a level-2 amber severe warning for the deluged South-west. It is feared coastal gales and up to an inch of rain expected there in hours will bring the risk of fresh flooding. It will also feel much colder across the country from today. Overnight temperatures could drop sharply, bringing sleet or snow over high ground as far south as Kent, Devon and Cornwall. The Met Office has also issued severe  weather warnings over expected 80mph winds in Scotland tomorrow afternoon and into Monday.

 

Chief Met Office forecaster Eddy Carroll warned: “A deep depression to the North-west will extend bands of rain quickly eastwards across all parts on Sunday, accompanied by strong winds.†The weekend kicked off with swathes of Britain being hit by heavy rain yesterday. Downpours were forecast to last into this morning. Today is expected to be very windy, and chillier than of late. Netweather forecaster Jo Farrow said: “It is becoming windy everywhere during Saturday morning, with a fresh- to-strong westerly wind. “There will be long, drier, brighter spells but interrupted by a band of heavy showers moving from north-west UK to Wales and southern Britain.â€

 

Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said gales continue to batter Britain, with another week of non-stop rain on the way. He said: “We have a similar low pressure system to the one which caused the problems over December as the Atlantic is still in charge of our weather. “There is no sign of an end to these storms until the end of the month.â€

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/455960/Brace-yourselves-for-80mph-gales-and-snow-to-batter-Britain

[SparkleS]

Theres not e en a breeze here?

[Summer Sun]

Signs of a winter chill?

 

BBC Weather's Alex Deakin warns of some further wet and windy weather to come later this weekend. Plus after a mild winter so far, are there now finally signs of a winter chill?

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features/25895887

[Zak 92]

Snow could hit Lincolnshire next week

 

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/Snow-possible-Lincolnshire-week/story-20500168-detail/story.html

[Summer Sun]

'The APOCALYPSE!' Chaos and flash floods as massive hail storms batter Britain

 

DEVASTATING storms have hit areas across the UK with hail stones the size of golf balls raining down on worried Britons. Throughout the afternoon people on Twitter described the weather as apocalyptic with storms crossing central and eastern parts of Britain between Birmingham, London and Essex. Heavy thunder has been sounded overhead in many parts while lightning continues to break through the dark skies. Photos of the weather have been uploaded online showing the freak weather across the skies of Birmingham.

 

Others in Colchester, Essex reported their televisions going suddenly blank. A rugby match between Leicester and Harlequins was called to an early finish while another match in Northampton was suspended. Dagenham and Redbridge's home football match at Sprunehorpe was suspended because of the bad weather also. Now motorists are being caught up in football traffic as huge amounts of water fell on Britain's road network. Elsewhere Cheltenham racecourse was hit with large lightning strikes earlier this afternoon.

 

There are reports that houses have been struck by lightning bolts in West Bromwich and Stourbridge. Two homes and a church caught fire from the strikes around lunchtime today The Met Office has issued an amber warning tomorrow (today) as severe weather is set to sweep across the country, saying: "More heavy rain will spread east across the area on Sunday. Given the current disruption on the Somerset Levels, the public should be prepared for further flooding."

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/456037/The-APOCALYPSE-Chaos-and-flash-floods-as-massive-hail-storms-batter-Britain

Edited January 26, 2014 by Summer Sun

[Summer Sun]

Astonishing lightning strikes, hail storms and torrential rain batter Britain

 

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/362342/Astonishing-lightning-strikes-hail-storms-and-torrential-rain-batter-Britain

Freak electrical storm batters half the country as incredible pictures emerge of ferocious lightning forks and giant hailstones

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2545764/Freak-electrical-storm-batters-half-country-incredible-pictures-emerge-ferocious-lightning-forks-giant-hailstones.html

[Summer Sun]

Scotland weather: Rain, wind and snow strike routes

 

Routes across Scotland are being affected by wind, rain and snow after the Met Office issued several Yellow "Be Aware" warnings. Forecasters said wet and windy weather would be widespread on Sunday, with snow falling at higher levels.

Traffic Scotland said a number of routes had been hit by flooding and snow while strong winds saw some bridges shut to high-sided vehicles. A forecast has also been issued of strengthening winds. Traffic Scotland has reported problems across the country. It said the snow gates on the A93 between Braemar and Spittal of Glenshee had been closed.

 

The Friarton and Skye Bridges were closed for a time to high-sided vehicles and surface water has been causing problems on routes in Dumfries and Galloway and Strathclyde. Near Stirling, the A809 was closed due to flooding between Strathendrick Golf Course and the B834 while in North Ayrshire the A760 Dalry Road was also shut between Largs Golf Club and Kilbirnie. Sepa has flood alerts in place covering Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire and Arran and West Central Scotland. BBC Scotland weather presenter Christopher Blanchett said: "As the rain bumps into cold air, it will fall as snow on ground above 200m during the morning. So a few centimetres of snow could be seen on the very highest parts of major trunk roads; such as the mate, M77 and M74, as well as the A702. "Above 300m we could see more than 10cm of snow during Sunday morning, meaning potentially hazardous conditions on the highest sections of the A9 and A82.

 

"Other smaller roads, which are higher still, could see up to 20cm of snow with blizzard conditions as the wind strengthens." Although most lower-level areas including major towns and cities will see rain, heavier bursts could bring temporary sleet deposits. Winds could also bring problems, with a strong to gale-force south easterly. Around the coastline, the wind will strengthen to severe gale-force after midday, with storm force gusts of up to 80mph possible across the Western Isles and Northern Isles, which may impact on ferry sailings. Christopher added: "For next week, cold air looks likely to set in from the East, as the low pressure sinks south across the UK. This opens us up to direct winds from the near Continent, feeding in much colder air. "As this air travels over the North Sea, it will pick up moisture leading to the possibility of a few wintry flurries across eastern parts of the mainland. "However, areas further west should remain dry and cold with only rain showers."

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-25898129

[Summer Sun]

Chobham tornado 'lifted cats in air'

 

A "mini-tornado" brought down trees, damaged property and even lifted cats in the air, an eye-witness has said. People living in Chobham in Surrey said the wind hit the area at about 17:00 GMT on Saturday. A tornado is also reported to have swept through Sussex, from Midhurst, Petworth and Fittleworth to Crawley. UK Power Networks said about 13,000 customers were left without power in Kent, Sussex and Surrey after storms on Saturday. On Sunday, the firm's spokesman said the number had been "significantly reduced", although about 1,100 customers were still affected. Fire crews from East and West Sussex said they took dozens of weather-related calls on Saturday afternoon and early evening. Surrey Fire and Rescue said its control room took a series of calls reporting fallen trees and damaged roofs across the county.

 

Feral cats

 

Shirley Blay, who keeps horses at the Jolly Blossom Stables on Station Road, Chobham, said: "It was a mini-tornado, I can't describe it as anything less. "It started with very heavy rain, hailstones and very strong wind and all of a sudden, the wind was very, very strong, to the point of lifting roofs. "Stable roofs were shaking and lifting and my granddaughter went to make some food up for the pony and the shed she was in lifted. "She jumped out of it and it just shattered, it was thrown backwards and broke into four pieces. We've got four feral cats in the yard and they were being lifted off the ground, they just went round like a big paper bag." She said the people and animals who were caught up in the tornado were uninjured.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-25902371

[Summer Sun]

UK weather: Further flood warnings as heavy rain falls

 

Heavy rain has swept across western parts of the UK, bringing a further risk of flooding to some areas left struggling after recent storms. The rain has now moved to eastern parts of the country, which will see heavy rain for the next three hours. Forecasters also issued an amber warning of rain for the Somerset Levels, warning of further flooding. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson is due to visit later to speak to those affected and the agencies helping them. The heaviest rain has fallen in Wales, where some 22mm (0.9in) has fallen in the past 12 hours. BBC forecasters said persistent rain had now cleared but there were bands of showery rain following behind the main rain area.

 

'Lightning and tornadoes'

 

It comes after storms hit the Midlands on Saturday evening, with buildings struck by lightning and property damaged. There were also reports of "mini-tornadoes" in parts of Surrey and Warwickshire, with one so strong it brought down trees and even lifted cats into the air. The Met Office had earlier issued a yellow warning for rain in south-west England until 14:00 GMT. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has 12 flood warnings for southern England - the majority in western parts - indicating flooding is expected and immediate action is required.  Forecasters said between 10 and 20mm (0.5-1in) of rain was expected to fall on the Somerset Levels on Sunday. It comes after a "major incident" was declared there on Friday, with the council asking the armed forces to consider helping villagers who had been cut off.

 

A water-pumping operation is also continuing. Meanwhile, more than 130 flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible - have also been issued, with more than half of them in the South East of England. Since 1st January, 569 flood warnings and 30 severe flood warnings have been issued. The Met Office also has yellow warnings - the lowest of its three alert levels - in place for rain, with southern parts, including London, seeing heavy downfalls. Much of Scotland and Northern Ireland are being hit by strong winds, while Scotland and northern England are seeing snow. Some of the weather warnings continue into Monday.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25898521

Edited January 26, 2014 by Summer Sun

[Summer Sun]

Weather: Heavy Rain Could Add To Flood Misery

 

Communities across southern England have been told to prepare for possible flooding as further heavy rain is forecast for today through to Tuesday. The Environment Agency (EA) has 10 flood warnings in place for the South West, which mean flooding is expected and immediate action is required. It highlighted the Somerset Levels, which run south from the Mendip Hills to the Blackdown Hills, as an area which should be prepared for further flooding. An EA spokeswoman said: "With the ground already saturated, rivers and groundwater levels remain very responsive to rainfall, particularly on the Somerset Levels.

 

"Environment Agency teams continue to operate up to 62 pumps 24 hours a day to drain an estimated 65 million cubic metres of floodwater off an area of the Levels spanning 65 square kilometres." There is also potential for further river flooding across the southwest and southern counties including parts of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex, West Berkshire and Surrey into next week.

 

http://news.sky.com/story/1201098/weather-heavy-rain-could-add-to-flood-misery

[Summer Sun]

BBC Weather for the week ahead with Elizabeth Saary

 

Feeling colder

 

Wintry showers

 

Risk of Ice

 

Atlantic influence coming back into play for the end of the week some uncertainties on the timings

 

 

Some snow showers in the east on Thursday

 

Video to follow later

Edited January 26, 2014 by Summer Sun

[Summer Sun]

Video for the week ahead

 

[Summer Sun]

Even royalty can't escape the weather! Prince Philip braves the rain at Sandringham as blizzards, rain and even a TORNADO hit Britain... and forecasters warn there is worse heading our way

 

Forecasters today warned of more heavy rain for parts of Britain as flood-hit communities in the South West braced themselves for further problems. The Met Office issued an amber warning of severe weather, while the Environment Agency has 130 flood alerts and 12 flood warnings in place. Somerset County Council has declared a ‘major incident’ for all areas affected by flooding in the county - especially on the Somerset Levels.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2546150/UK-weather-More-heavy-rain-way-flood-hit-parts-Britain-mini-tornado-hits-southern-counties.html

[Summer Sun]

Nigel Farage gives UKIP weather forecast

 

UKIP leader Nigel Farage has recorded a weather forecast in response to the "gay floods" row sparked by one of his party's councillors. David Silvester blamed recent flooding on the government's decision to legalise gay marriage - he was then suspended from the party. His comments prompted a spoof version of Radio 4's Shipping Forecast to be posted on social media sites. Nigel Farage responded with his own predictions on the BBC's Sunday Politics show.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25901814

[knocker]

[Summer Sun]

Extreme cold in North America

 

Yet more arctic air sweeps southwards across North America, bringing extremely cold conditions once again.

 

BBC Weather's Alex Deakin has more.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features/25904399

[Summer Sun]

Weather: Floods In South As Snow Falls In North

 

Communities across southern England have been told to prepare for possible flooding, as snow falls across parts of the North. Some 11 flood warnings are in place for parts of the South East and South West, with the Environment Agency telling people in affected areas to take immediate action. The Somerset Levels, which run south from the Mendip Hills to the Blackdown Hills, are particularly vulnerable, as further heavy rain falls on already saturated ground.

 

There is also potential for further river flooding across the South West and southern counties including parts of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex, West Berkshire and Surrey into next week. The Environment Agency is running more than 60 pumps around the clock to drain an estimated 65 million cubic metres of floodwater from the Levels. A temporary pontoon has been erected near the village of Langport to allow residents to get to their homes and a boat service is ferrying people to and from work and school.

 

John Osman, of Somerset County Council, which has declared a "major incident", said: "There's no let up in the rain coming down. The water levels on the moorlands are rising. We are getting towards breaking point." As well as the flood alerts, a Met Office severe weather warning for ice is in place across most of the UK, while parts of Scotland have been told to brace for strong winds gusting up to 80mph. Up to 20cm of snow is forecast to fall over higher ground overnight and on Monday. It follows lighter flurries in parts of northern England, including in Cumbria, where snow ploughs were used to clear sections of the A66.

 

Meanwhile, strong winds on Saturday blew bricks and tiles off the roofs of houses and forced residents to be evacuated in a street in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. A "mini tornado" was reported in parts of the Midlands and southern Britain, where trees were brought down, power supplies knocked out and outbuildings damaged.  Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler said: "Today's rain may exacerbate the problems in the South West but is unlikely to have much impact away from already flooded areas. "This week, there may be some small improvements, in so much as there is no further prolonged heavy rain expected before next weekend, but showers will continue."

 

http://news.sky.com/story/1201098/weather-floods-in-south-as-snow-falls-in-north

[Coast]

UK weather: Ice and more floods expected

 

Temperatures are expected to plummet later with the Met Office warning the UK to prepare for icy, frozen surfaces. Parts of the country are also braced for snow.

 

Meanwhile, some communities in England and Scotland are being warned to expect more flooding after rain swept across much of Britain on Sunday. The Environment Agency still has 14 flood warnings in place, meaning immediate action is required, with the majority in south-west England. A severe weather warning issued by the Met Office covers much of the country and is due to last until 10:00 GMT on Monday morning. Forecasters said people should be aware of the potential for travel disruption as untreated surfaces freeze. Only some western and southern coastal areas are excluded from the warning.

 

BBC weather forecaster Nina Ridge said: "Our main concern as temperatures dip down fairly close to freezing will be the risk of ice. "As the morning goes on there will mainly be sleet across any higher ground, rain at lower levels." She said the heaviest rain on Monday would be in the northern half of the UK. But flood warnings were in place for the Midlands, North East, South East and South West. There were also 149 flood alerts - indicating flooding is possible - across every region of England.

 

In Scotland, river levels on the Nith in Dumfries continued to rise. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency warned Whitesands residents to remain vigilant. Motorists on the higher routes across parts of central Scotland were warned to prepare for snow and gale-force winds. "The public should be aware of the potential for disruption to travel as well as difficult driving conditions with a risk of blizzards at times," Traffic Scotland said.he weekend weather caused power outages in south-east England where more than 1,000 homes were left without electricity.

 

A spokeswoman for UK Power Networks said by Sunday evening only "one or two single premises" were still waiting to be reconnected. In Surrey - one of the counties hit by power cuts - eyewitnesses in Chobham reported a "mini-tornado" so strong it lifted feral cats into the air like "paper bags". There were reports of a second tornado further north in Warwickshire where some families had to seek overnight shelter at a community hall. The weather caused some travel disruption in parts of the UK over the weekend.

 

The heaviest rainfall was in Wales, where about 22mm (0.9in) came down in 12 hours. Arriva Trains Wales say the line between Machynlleth and Pwllhelli, remains closed until 10 February following recent flooding. And Southern says a recent major landslip means a very limited service is running between Horsham and Dorking - and is unlikely to open until early February.

 

 

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25908098

[Summer Sun]

UK Set To Freeze Amid Fears Of More Floods

 

Motorists and commuters have been warned of ice, sleet and snow as well as hail and thundery showers, with temperatures expected to plummet to around freezing across the UK. And with another day of heavy rain ahead, there will be more misery for flood-hit areas with some communities in Somerset - where the council has declared a "major incident" - facing a fourth week under water. Several counties including Hampshire and Dorset also remain at risk of flooding, while further snowfall is expected across Wales, Scotland and northern England. The Environment Agency has issued more than 150 flood warnings and alerts across England and Wales. Temperatures are expected to fall to or just below freezing, according to the Met Office, which has warned of "blizzard conditions".

 

This will result in the risk of icy patches on roads and the potential for travel disruption.Its chief forecaster said: "Rain or sleet is expected at lower levels however, above 250m, some wet snow is likely at times with perhaps 2-5 cm of snow accumulating, whilst above 400m a further 10 to 20cm is possible."Strong to gale force south to southeasterly winds will combine with heavy snow to result in blizzard conditions at times." And with a band of rain across the country edging north-eastwards towards the far north-east of England and central and northern Scotland, the forecaster added: "With saturated ground and rivers already high in these areas there is the risk of some localised flooding."

 

Fourteen serious flood warnings are in place for parts of the South West, South East, Midlands and North East with the Environment Agency advising people in affected areas to take immediate action. The Somerset Levels, which run south from the Mendip Hills to the Blackdown Hills, are particularly vulnerable, as further heavy rain falls on already saturated ground. There is also potential for further river flooding across the South West and southern counties including parts of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex, West Berkshire and Surrey into next week. The Environment Agency is running more than 60 pumps around the clock to drain an estimated 65 million cubic metres of floodwater from the Levels.

 

A temporary pontoon has been erected near the village of Langport to allow residents to get to their homes and a boat service is ferrying people to and from work and school. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson is expected to visit Somerset today to hold crisis talks with community leaders including council chiefs and farmers whose crops have been devastated by the stormy weather and torrential downpours.

 

http://news.sky.com/story/1201480/uk-set-to-freeze-amid-fears-of-more-floods