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Storm Frank batters parts of UK causing flooding fears Storm Frank batters parts of UK causing flooding fears
(35 minutes later)
Heavy rain and gales are hitting Northern Ireland and Scotland as Storm Frank brings fears of further flooding.Heavy rain and gales are hitting Northern Ireland and Scotland as Storm Frank brings fears of further flooding.
There are four severe flood warnings, indicating danger to life - three in Croston, Lancashire, which is braced for the second flood in a week.There are four severe flood warnings, indicating danger to life - three in Croston, Lancashire, which is braced for the second flood in a week.
A further 47 flood warnings, requiring immediate action, are in force in England and Wales and more than 60 in place in Scotland. A further 45 flood warnings, requiring immediate action, are in force in England and Wales and more than 60 in place in Scotland.
About 5,500 homes have been left without power in the north of Scotland.About 5,500 homes have been left without power in the north of Scotland.
In Northern Ireland, homes also experienced power cuts, air passengers were delayed and fallen trees caused problems on the roads.In Northern Ireland, homes also experienced power cuts, air passengers were delayed and fallen trees caused problems on the roads.
Meanwhile in North Yorkshire, soldiers evacuated homes near a bridge in Tadcaster after it collapsed, prompting fears of flooding and a possible gas explosion.Meanwhile in North Yorkshire, soldiers evacuated homes near a bridge in Tadcaster after it collapsed, prompting fears of flooding and a possible gas explosion.
Live coverage: Latest updates on Storm FrankLive coverage: Latest updates on Storm Frank
Analysis: Floods unleash unprecedented criticismAnalysis: Floods unleash unprecedented criticism
Explainer: December storms' trail of destructionExplainer: December storms' trail of destruction
In other developments:In other developments:
A BBC Weather spokesman said heavy rain was set to hit north-west England, south and central Scotland, and Wales, warning up to 120mm (nearly 5 inches) could fall in some areas. BBC Weather's Matt Taylor said between 80mm and 120mm (three to five inches) of rain was expected over Cumbria and central and southern Scotland, with rivers in Dumfries and Galloway likely to rise.
Gusts reached up to 80mph in the western fringes of Scotland overnight, he said. Scottish coasts were experiencing gusts of up to 70mph (112km/h), he said.
Live flood warnings from the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.Live flood warnings from the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
In Croston, an RAF Chinook helicopter delivered 400 tonnes of sandbags on Tuesday in a bid to try to shore up the nearby River Douglas.In Croston, an RAF Chinook helicopter delivered 400 tonnes of sandbags on Tuesday in a bid to try to shore up the nearby River Douglas.
Villagers, already hit by floods on Boxing Day, are now preparing for the storm to hit them around mid-morning.Villagers, already hit by floods on Boxing Day, are now preparing for the storm to hit them around mid-morning.
Mark Cowley, vice chairman of the parish council, said: "Everybody's worried. They're still shell-shocked from what happened on Boxing Day."Mark Cowley, vice chairman of the parish council, said: "Everybody's worried. They're still shell-shocked from what happened on Boxing Day."
The fourth severe weather warning was issued in response to the collapse of the Tadcaster Bridge which caused a nearby gas pipe to rupture.The fourth severe weather warning was issued in response to the collapse of the Tadcaster Bridge which caused a nearby gas pipe to rupture.
People watched the storm-battered masonry crumble into the swollen river, before running away as a wave headed towards the bank and a strong smell of gas leaked from exposed pipes.People watched the storm-battered masonry crumble into the swollen river, before running away as a wave headed towards the bank and a strong smell of gas leaked from exposed pipes.
Homes around the 18th century stone bridge, over the River Wharfe, were evacuated by soldiers.Homes around the 18th century stone bridge, over the River Wharfe, were evacuated by soldiers.
An Environment Agency spokesman warned "significant flooding" was expected in the area, adding: "The situation is serious and there is a significant risk to life."An Environment Agency spokesman warned "significant flooding" was expected in the area, adding: "The situation is serious and there is a significant risk to life."
Meanwhile, police in York said it was "extremely disappointing" that thieves had broken into homes submerged in flood water.Meanwhile, police in York said it was "extremely disappointing" that thieves had broken into homes submerged in flood water.
Reports were received of dry goods stolen from outside homes, tools taken from sheds and a back door forced open.Reports were received of dry goods stolen from outside homes, tools taken from sheds and a back door forced open.
North Yorkshire Police's acting Supt Mark Grange said: "It is impossible to comprehend why anyone would want to bring further suffering to those who are already in a very vulnerable situation."North Yorkshire Police's acting Supt Mark Grange said: "It is impossible to comprehend why anyone would want to bring further suffering to those who are already in a very vulnerable situation."
The EA had earlier warned of the potential for further significant flooding, especially in Cumbria, while floods minister Rory Stewart said a potentially "very bad situation" lay ahead.The EA had earlier warned of the potential for further significant flooding, especially in Cumbria, while floods minister Rory Stewart said a potentially "very bad situation" lay ahead.
The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings - meaning "be prepared" - for rain in Strathclyde; Central, Tayside and Fife; Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders; Grampian; north-west England and Northern Ireland for Wednesday.The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings - meaning "be prepared" - for rain in Strathclyde; Central, Tayside and Fife; Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders; Grampian; north-west England and Northern Ireland for Wednesday.
There are also yellow weather warnings - meaning "be aware" - for rain for the Highlands & Eilean Siar, Wales, north east England, South West England and Yorkshire and Humber.There are also yellow weather warnings - meaning "be aware" - for rain for the Highlands & Eilean Siar, Wales, north east England, South West England and Yorkshire and Humber.
In the Republic of Ireland, gales and torrential rain have closed roads, hit rail services and cut power to 4,200 homes and businesses.
On Tuesday, Communities Secretary Greg Clark announced £50m extra funding to help households and businesses affected by flooding in northern England. The government says it has now pledged more than £100m towards the crisis.On Tuesday, Communities Secretary Greg Clark announced £50m extra funding to help households and businesses affected by flooding in northern England. The government says it has now pledged more than £100m towards the crisis.
The head of the Environment Agency, Sir Philip Dilley, is expected back in the UK on Wednesday, cutting short his Christmas holiday in Barbados. The head of the Environment Agency, Sir Philip Dilley, has returned to the UK, cutting short his Christmas holiday in Barbados.
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