Weather: Rain And High Tides Are 'Risk To Life'

Heavy rain, large waves and strong winds are expected to create a “significant risk to life”, as parts of Britain are hit by another band of severe weather.

The Environment Agency warned “extraordinary measures” may be taken in Gloucestershire on Saturday to keep back tidal and river floods.

It issued severe flood warnings – meaning there is an imminent danger to life – for several parts of the county and the coasts of Cornwall and north Devon, where a spring tide and stormy seas whipped up by gusts of more than 60mph pose a serious threat.

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Further warnings are in place along the length of the River Severn amid fears it could burst its banks.

Flood barriers have already been installed in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and Bewdley, Worcestershire, as the water level rises.

The Environment Agency warned against all non-essential travel amid fears drivers could become stranded, while Gloucestershire Police urged people to stay away from river banks.

In the Republic of Ireland, Munster, Leinster, Connacht, Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan were told to prepare for possible flooding, while communities in west Wales and along the south coast from Dorset to Kent were also put on alert.

Hundreds of university students in Aberystwyth were told to leave accommodation on the town’s seafront amid fears high tides could hit the town for the second time in a month.

As well as wind and rain, the Met Office warned of snow for Northern Ireland and parts of western Scotland, as well as icy stretches on roads across much of the UK.

Wintry weather swept across northern areas on Friday, closing the Lake District’s exposed Kirkstone Pass and causing hazardous driving conditions elsewhere.

The latest forecasts will be met with trepidation in flood-stricken communities in Somerset , where the military is on standby to help with the relief effort.

On Tuesday, Prince Charles will meet people who remain cut off by water after the wettest January on record.

Some residents have criticised the Government and the Environment Agency for what they say is a lack of action to prevent the floods.

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Weather: Rain And High Tides Are 'Risk To Life'