MORE RAIN SEES UK FLOOD RISK CONTINUE THIS WEEK

Severe flood warnings in the UK will remain in place this week as further rain is expected, according to the Environment Agency. The whole of the south of England, which has suffered its wettest January on record, is at an increased risk of flooding on Monday and Wednesday, as high tides and large waves threaten the south coast, and while further rain from Tuesday could lead to river flooding, it said. Coastal flooding could affect the south coasts of Devon and Cornwall today as well as Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Strong winds and high waves could cause flooding along the whole of the south coast on Tuesday and into Wednesday. Since Friday evening, over 55,000 properties have been sent a flood warning while 180 homes have been flooded. Writing in the Telegraph newspaper, Chairman of the Environment Agency Lord Smith said that the Agency faces tough choices on where to prioritise spending on flood protection. Flood defences cost money, and how much should the taxpayer be prepared to spend on different places, communities and livelihoods, he said.