More storms and floods as Britons head back to work

London: More storms and floods swept across Britain on Monday as many people struggled to get back to work after the holiday break.

Winds of up to 70 mph were predicted in some areas and the Environment Agency had over 300 flood warnings and flood alerts in place for locations across England and Wales.

The Met Office imposed a "be aware" yellow warning for wind speeds on the west and south-west coast of Britain and the east coast of Northern Ireland, predicting "exceptionally high waves".

Heavy rain fell across much of the UK on Sunday night, with up to 1.6 ins (40 mm) estimated on higher ground. Following the latest deluge, the Environment Agency said about 220 properties have been flooded and many roads and fields across the country remain under water.

Transport is also disrupted once again, as roads were closed and trains delayed or cancelled in many districts.

First Great Western said services were at risk in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset.

The Thames Barrier was in operation last night to protect people and property along the river. The barrier has had to be raised several times over the two-week holiday period to save the capital from flooding. The Environment Agency kept in place a severe flood warning, meaning danger to life, for the Iford Bridge caravan park in Dorset.

In Oxford a 47-year-old man died on Sunday when his mobility scooter fell from a flooded path into a river.

The Met Office said wind and rain are likely to persist throughout Monday night and into Tuesday.

Hail and thunder are likely overnight in some places, while frequent showers in some areas could lead to localised flooding, Britain`s national weather agency said.

Showers could be heavy and prolonged on Tuesday, when more coastal gales are possible, the Met Office said.