UK Hit By Flood

Britain is being battered again by storms and gale force winds - bringing flooding and travel chaos to many parts of the UK.
Stormy seas have caused problems in south-west coastal regions, and forecasters say there will be more violent weather over the next few days.

In a statement to the Commons, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said one million homes in England have so far been protected by flood defences.

But he said there was a likelihood of more flooding "for some time to come" in Dorset and Wiltshire.

Some villages on the Somerset Levels have been cut off, with residents in Muchelney, near Somerton, being supplied by boat.

As gusts of up to 70mph hit western coasts, people were urged to remain vigilant and stay away from coastal roads, promenades and jetties with 25ft-high waves crashing on to beaches.

There are fears the next high tides will bring further coastal flooding.

Aberystwyth seafront - including 600 rooms of the university's student halls of residence facing the beach - was evacuated and rescue centres set up as high tides battered the coastline.

Student Millie Farmer, 19, said 12ft waves had crashed on to the promenade, ripping up paving slabs and leaving debris scattered on the front.

The severe weather has already taken its toll on the transport network and there was more disruption for commuters with roads closed and trains delayed or cancelled in areas.