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Storm Frank: Body of kayaker found as Scotland bears the brunt of torrential rains - live Storm Frank: Body of kayaker found as Scotland bears the brunt of torrential rains - live
(35 minutes later)
12.48pm GMT12:48
Lunchtime summary
12.15pm GMT12:1512.15pm GMT12:15
Libby BrooksLibby Brooks
Residents of Ballater, east of Aberdeen, who were evacuated after the River Dee burst its banks late on Wednesday, may have to spend another night in a makeshift rest centre while safety checks are carried out on their homes. Residents of Ballater, west of Aberdeen, who were evacuated after the River Dee burst its banks late on Wednesday, may have to spend another night in a makeshift rest centre while safety checks are carried out on their homes.
While the main street in Ballater is now clear of flood water, Aberdeenshire Council said that some residents will have to stay at Victoria Barracks while final check are made. A spokesperson added that the authorities were still “very much in response mode”.While the main street in Ballater is now clear of flood water, Aberdeenshire Council said that some residents will have to stay at Victoria Barracks while final check are made. A spokesperson added that the authorities were still “very much in response mode”.
Meanwhile, the Scottish government has triggered the Bellwin scheme, which allows ministers to offer emergency financial assistance to local authorities to help with the cost of flood damage.Meanwhile, the Scottish government has triggered the Bellwin scheme, which allows ministers to offer emergency financial assistance to local authorities to help with the cost of flood damage.
Updated at 12.38pm GMT
12.00pm GMT12:0012.00pm GMT12:00
Libby BrooksLibby Brooks
Police Scotland have confirmed that they have recovered the body of a kayaker who got into difficulties on the River Findhorn, near Inverness, yesterday. Emergency services were called to an area known as Elephant Rock at around 12.36 yesterday afternoon, when a member of the public alerted them to a kayaker who was in difficulty navigating the swollen river water. Police Scotland have now confirmed that they recovered the man’s body from the river at 9am this morning, with the assistance of the coastguard. His next of kin have been informed.Police Scotland have confirmed that they have recovered the body of a kayaker who got into difficulties on the River Findhorn, near Inverness, yesterday. Emergency services were called to an area known as Elephant Rock at around 12.36 yesterday afternoon, when a member of the public alerted them to a kayaker who was in difficulty navigating the swollen river water. Police Scotland have now confirmed that they recovered the man’s body from the river at 9am this morning, with the assistance of the coastguard. His next of kin have been informed.
11.59am GMT11:5911.59am GMT11:59
Kevin Rawlinson in York has those Corbyn quotes in full.Kevin Rawlinson in York has those Corbyn quotes in full.
The problem is that the system has been overwhelmed by the level of rainfall and the river flow and we now have to look very seriously at improving flood defences, at improving river basin management and making even more resilient pumping systems. The water rose so much that the electricity supply had to be turned off because the electricity supply was in danger.The problem is that the system has been overwhelmed by the level of rainfall and the river flow and we now have to look very seriously at improving flood defences, at improving river basin management and making even more resilient pumping systems. The water rose so much that the electricity supply had to be turned off because the electricity supply was in danger.
“Immediately, [we are going to put] pressure on the government to fully fund the Environment Agency, not cut its budget, fully fund new flood defences where they are necessary, not just in York but in other cities as well. But also, bring together all of the agencies that deal with the issues of river basin management, water flow off the hills and further upstream.“Immediately, [we are going to put] pressure on the government to fully fund the Environment Agency, not cut its budget, fully fund new flood defences where they are necessary, not just in York but in other cities as well. But also, bring together all of the agencies that deal with the issues of river basin management, water flow off the hills and further upstream.
But, also, I think recognise that the coming together of the Environment Agency, the local authorities, the police, the fire service and the army to try to deal with these issues has been an object lesson in people being prepared to work together. But they do need public support, they do need public investment. So, cutting flood defence money, which has been cut over the past five years, is not the answer, the answer has to be to increase it.But, also, I think recognise that the coming together of the Environment Agency, the local authorities, the police, the fire service and the army to try to deal with these issues has been an object lesson in people being prepared to work together. But they do need public support, they do need public investment. So, cutting flood defence money, which has been cut over the past five years, is not the answer, the answer has to be to increase it.
11.56am GMT11:5611.56am GMT11:56
First flood deathFirst flood death
Libby BrooksLibby Brooks
The body of a kayaker who went missing near Inverness yesterday has been recovered. More details to follow.The body of a kayaker who went missing near Inverness yesterday has been recovered. More details to follow.
11.53am GMT11:5311.53am GMT11:53
Josh HallidayJosh Halliday
One of our northern correspondents writes on the Dunkirk spirit in Yorkshire.One of our northern correspondents writes on the Dunkirk spirit in Yorkshire.
It will take more than Storm Frank to stop Yorkshire folk celebrating the new year in style. In Leeds, the Kirkstall Bridge Inn has reopened its doors in time to host a Hawaiian-themed BBQ tonight despite being deluged by two floods in as many months.It will take more than Storm Frank to stop Yorkshire folk celebrating the new year in style. In Leeds, the Kirkstall Bridge Inn has reopened its doors in time to host a Hawaiian-themed BBQ tonight despite being deluged by two floods in as many months.
The pub closed early on Boxing Day when the storm hit, leaving its bottom bar under 5ft of floodwater. Around 100 volunteers mucked in to help clear the sewage and silt from the pub in time for New Year’s Eve.The pub closed early on Boxing Day when the storm hit, leaving its bottom bar under 5ft of floodwater. Around 100 volunteers mucked in to help clear the sewage and silt from the pub in time for New Year’s Eve.
Ian Forster, the pub’s landlord, said tonight’s party was now sold out with 200 ticket-holders defying Storm Frank to hold a proper Yorkshire knees-up. “We knew we would do something - rain or shine we’d make some effort,” said Forster, 33.Ian Forster, the pub’s landlord, said tonight’s party was now sold out with 200 ticket-holders defying Storm Frank to hold a proper Yorkshire knees-up. “We knew we would do something - rain or shine we’d make some effort,” said Forster, 33.
New fireworks have been bought to replace those claimed by the floodwater, he added, with the hardiest ticket-holders expected to turn up to the part in traditional Hawaiian dress. “It won’t be as good as it was but we’ve managed to get some fireworks at least. The Hawaiian BBQ was inspired by the floods - there’ll be flip-flops, it’s ideal weather for it.”New fireworks have been bought to replace those claimed by the floodwater, he added, with the hardiest ticket-holders expected to turn up to the part in traditional Hawaiian dress. “It won’t be as good as it was but we’ve managed to get some fireworks at least. The Hawaiian BBQ was inspired by the floods - there’ll be flip-flops, it’s ideal weather for it.”
Morning all! As predicted, we've powered on through with a little help from our friends & will indeed be open TONIGHT! #NYE #fightthefloodMorning all! As predicted, we've powered on through with a little help from our friends & will indeed be open TONIGHT! #NYE #fighttheflood
Updated at 12.10pm GMTUpdated at 12.10pm GMT
11.41am GMT11:4111.41am GMT11:41
The Met has issued a yellow warning (be aware) of snow and ice for the north-east. “A cold, showery airstream will bring wintry showers across the region,” said a Met office forecaster. “Whilst most showers at low levels will be of rain, they will turn to snow locally in heavier bursts.”The Met has issued a yellow warning (be aware) of snow and ice for the north-east. “A cold, showery airstream will bring wintry showers across the region,” said a Met office forecaster. “Whilst most showers at low levels will be of rain, they will turn to snow locally in heavier bursts.”
11.32am GMT11:3211.32am GMT11:32
The Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been talking to Sky News during a visit to York. He said the flood defence system in York was overwhelmed and that resilience has to be examined not just for York but the whole country.The Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been talking to Sky News during a visit to York. He said the flood defence system in York was overwhelmed and that resilience has to be examined not just for York but the whole country.
“We face higher rainfall, more flooding,” he said. “We have to be prepared to invest in flood defences, uplands management... cuts in public expenditure are not the answer. We need a thorough examination of flood defence not just in York, but the whole country.”“We face higher rainfall, more flooding,” he said. “We have to be prepared to invest in flood defences, uplands management... cuts in public expenditure are not the answer. We need a thorough examination of flood defence not just in York, but the whole country.”
The Guardian this morning reported on criticism of George Osborne, who has been accused of jeopardising Britain’s crumbling flood defences over the past five years by prioritising cuts to the deficit. He was also warned that infrastructure spending may need to rise sharply to adapt to climate change.The Guardian this morning reported on criticism of George Osborne, who has been accused of jeopardising Britain’s crumbling flood defences over the past five years by prioritising cuts to the deficit. He was also warned that infrastructure spending may need to rise sharply to adapt to climate change.
Related: Experts criticise George Osborne over flood protection fundingRelated: Experts criticise George Osborne over flood protection funding
11.18am GMT11:1811.18am GMT11:18
Some of the Twitter heckling as the EA tweets an image of its boss doing the rounds of flooded areas. His nice tan did not go unnoticed.Some of the Twitter heckling as the EA tweets an image of its boss doing the rounds of flooded areas. His nice tan did not go unnoticed.
Our chairman's visited volunteers, wardens & those affected by flooding in #Todmorden, #Hebden Bridge & #Mytholmroyd pic.twitter.com/gJs4tZq3WfOur chairman's visited volunteers, wardens & those affected by flooding in #Todmorden, #Hebden Bridge & #Mytholmroyd pic.twitter.com/gJs4tZq3Wf
11.10am GMT11:1011.10am GMT11:10
ConocoPhillips evacuating staff from North Sea platformConocoPhillips evacuating staff from North Sea platform
Reuters has more on this rogue barge in the North Sea. ConocoPhillips has now shut down output at its Eldfisk and Embla fields in the North Sea and was evacuating staff from its Eldfisk platform amid fears of the barge hitting its installations.Reuters has more on this rogue barge in the North Sea. ConocoPhillips has now shut down output at its Eldfisk and Embla fields in the North Sea and was evacuating staff from its Eldfisk platform amid fears of the barge hitting its installations.
11.02am GMT11:0211.02am GMT11:02
The Met’s forecast for today is a brighter, colder day with sunshine and showers, some heavy with hail and thunder especially during the afternoon. A cold night is expected with a widespread frost in all parts.The Met’s forecast for today is a brighter, colder day with sunshine and showers, some heavy with hail and thunder especially during the afternoon. A cold night is expected with a widespread frost in all parts.
Many areas should be fine and dry on New Year’s Day (Friday), but cloud, rain and strong winds are likely to return from the west over the weekend. This very unsettled and occasionally stormy spell was well signalled in our recent three month outlooks and is not unusual for this time of year, indeed this is when climatologically we would expect to have most of our storms.Many areas should be fine and dry on New Year’s Day (Friday), but cloud, rain and strong winds are likely to return from the west over the weekend. This very unsettled and occasionally stormy spell was well signalled in our recent three month outlooks and is not unusual for this time of year, indeed this is when climatologically we would expect to have most of our storms.
10.58am GMT10:5810.58am GMT10:58
And here is the Met’s graphic on how wet it’s been in December.And here is the Met’s graphic on how wet it’s been in December.
Record breaking rainfall in December puts 2015 in the top ten wettest years on records going back to 1910 pic.twitter.com/7fJnl0Ap4ZRecord breaking rainfall in December puts 2015 in the top ten wettest years on records going back to 1910 pic.twitter.com/7fJnl0Ap4Z
10.55am GMT10:5510.55am GMT10:55
Met: December 2015, the warmest since 1910Met: December 2015, the warmest since 1910
The Met Office says December 2015 was the warmest since 1910. Along with the remarkable warmth, and virtual complete lack of frost, there has been a marked contrast in rainfall across the UK, it adds.The Met Office says December 2015 was the warmest since 1910. Along with the remarkable warmth, and virtual complete lack of frost, there has been a marked contrast in rainfall across the UK, it adds.
It has been the wettest December on record for Scotland (333.1 mm), and for Wales (321 mm) and Northern Ireland is currently ranked 4th wettest with 208.1 mm. North-west England has also seen record breaking rainfall, but central and southern England have been much closer to average. For the UK as a whole its currently the second wettest on record. It has been the wettest December on record for Scotland (333.1 mm), and for Wales (321 mm) and Northern Ireland is currently ranked 4th wettest with 208.1 mm. North-west England has also seen record breaking rainfall, but central and southern England have been much closer to average. For the UK as a whole it’s currently the second wettest on record.
For Scotland, this is already the wettest ever calendar month in our series since 1910, with 333 mm in the first 29 days easily beating the previous record of 301 mm which was set as recently as December 2013.For Scotland, this is already the wettest ever calendar month in our series since 1910, with 333 mm in the first 29 days easily beating the previous record of 301 mm which was set as recently as December 2013.
For Wales, only one calendar month (November 1929) has had more rain than December 2015, and if the last two days of this month brings more than 16 mm then this record will be broken.For Wales, only one calendar month (November 1929) has had more rain than December 2015, and if the last two days of this month brings more than 16 mm then this record will be broken.
Latest stats reveal December 2015 was the warmest on record dating back to 1910 https://t.co/7RtbbV2X1f pic.twitter.com/u8zMZ6AlcrLatest stats reveal December 2015 was the warmest on record dating back to 1910 https://t.co/7RtbbV2X1f pic.twitter.com/u8zMZ6Alcr
Updated at 12.35pm GMT
10.49am GMT10:4910.49am GMT10:49
The Birmingham Mail has this story about woman’s narrow escape after a tree fell on her house.The Birmingham Mail has this story about woman’s narrow escape after a tree fell on her house.
A Birmingham great-grandmother is lucky to be alive after a 100-foot tall tree came crashing through her bathroom – missing her by seconds.A Birmingham great-grandmother is lucky to be alive after a 100-foot tall tree came crashing through her bathroom – missing her by seconds.
Amazingly, it was the SECOND time in four years that Ruth Stokes had a narrow escape from falling trees.Amazingly, it was the SECOND time in four years that Ruth Stokes had a narrow escape from falling trees.
The 79-year-old had just stepped out of her bathroom to look in a hallway mirror when a neighbour’s 100ft poplar tree collapsed in high winds caused by Storm Frank .The 79-year-old had just stepped out of her bathroom to look in a hallway mirror when a neighbour’s 100ft poplar tree collapsed in high winds caused by Storm Frank .
It smashed through the side of her bungalow in Balaclava Road, Kings Heath. Had she not made the impulse decision, she could have been killed.It smashed through the side of her bungalow in Balaclava Road, Kings Heath. Had she not made the impulse decision, she could have been killed.
Great-grandma cheats death as 100ft tree crashes through her bathroom https://t.co/XICOBDV3MR #bhambc pic.twitter.com/sIJBCIEjxaGreat-grandma cheats death as 100ft tree crashes through her bathroom https://t.co/XICOBDV3MR #bhambc pic.twitter.com/sIJBCIEjxa
10.46am GMT10:4610.46am GMT10:46
Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
Our Ireland correspondent reports that the Irish Republic appears to have taken a harder knock from Storm Frank than their neighbours in Northern Ireland.Our Ireland correspondent reports that the Irish Republic appears to have taken a harder knock from Storm Frank than their neighbours in Northern Ireland.
As of this morning there are still around 3,000 homes in the Republic without power and huge flood damage across the south and south-west counties of Ireland.As of this morning there are still around 3,000 homes in the Republic without power and huge flood damage across the south and south-west counties of Ireland.
Ireland’s meterological service, Met Eireann, said the bad weather will continue to hammer the country well into the new year.Ireland’s meterological service, Met Eireann, said the bad weather will continue to hammer the country well into the new year.
Met Éireann head of forecasting Gerald Fleming said: “There is no sign of an end to this spell of windy, very unsettled and very wet weather that will last well into the middle of next week and beyond.”Met Éireann head of forecasting Gerald Fleming said: “There is no sign of an end to this spell of windy, very unsettled and very wet weather that will last well into the middle of next week and beyond.”
Winds of up to 110 kms/per hour are expected to sweep across the country on New Years Eve, Met Éireann said.Winds of up to 110 kms/per hour are expected to sweep across the country on New Years Eve, Met Éireann said.
North of the border, Northern Ireland Electricity has restored power this morning to 20,000 homes whose supply was temporarily cut down the stormy conditions over the last 24 hours.North of the border, Northern Ireland Electricity has restored power this morning to 20,000 homes whose supply was temporarily cut down the stormy conditions over the last 24 hours.
However emergency services had to rescue 18 people from their cars and vehicles as well a number of homes across Northern Ireland over the last 24 hours. In Co. Down half a month’s rainfall fell on the county in just three hours, the Met Office said.However emergency services had to rescue 18 people from their cars and vehicles as well a number of homes across Northern Ireland over the last 24 hours. In Co. Down half a month’s rainfall fell on the county in just three hours, the Met Office said.
Many roads are still impassable and the Belfast to Dublin rail link was badly disrupted after a section of the train line from Portadown to Newry became completely submerged by rainfall.Many roads are still impassable and the Belfast to Dublin rail link was badly disrupted after a section of the train line from Portadown to Newry became completely submerged by rainfall.
10.41am GMT10:4110.41am GMT10:41
Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, has criticised the Environment Agency for its handling of the crisis, ahead of a visit to York, PA reports.Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, has criticised the Environment Agency for its handling of the crisis, ahead of a visit to York, PA reports.
Corbyn said he planned to question officials about 10 “high volume pumps” the party claims the agency owns but has not deployed to the north.Corbyn said he planned to question officials about 10 “high volume pumps” the party claims the agency owns but has not deployed to the north.
The Labour leader said last night: “Tomorrow I am meeting officials from the Environment Agency (EA) emergency response team in York. I will raise with them why they have failed to deploy these brand new pumps that looks as if they could have helped significantly in alleviating some of the worst impacts of the floods in the north of England.”The Labour leader said last night: “Tomorrow I am meeting officials from the Environment Agency (EA) emergency response team in York. I will raise with them why they have failed to deploy these brand new pumps that looks as if they could have helped significantly in alleviating some of the worst impacts of the floods in the north of England.”
Labour’s criticism comes from an October EA report in which it says it had bought “10 one cubic metre per second capacity high volume pumps, which have now been received and are being stored at Bradney depot in Bridgwater, Somerset”.Labour’s criticism comes from an October EA report in which it says it had bought “10 one cubic metre per second capacity high volume pumps, which have now been received and are being stored at Bradney depot in Bridgwater, Somerset”.
The EA said one of the new pumps had been deployed to assist the clean up in Cumbria earlier this month.The EA said one of the new pumps had been deployed to assist the clean up in Cumbria earlier this month.
A spokeswoman said: “During a major flood incident we are able to use equipment from across the country to help communities affected by flooding. During December we moved 43 pumps and around 5,000m of flood barriers from other parts of the country to flood-hit areas in the north of England to help reduce the risk of flooding to communities.”A spokeswoman said: “During a major flood incident we are able to use equipment from across the country to help communities affected by flooding. During December we moved 43 pumps and around 5,000m of flood barriers from other parts of the country to flood-hit areas in the north of England to help reduce the risk of flooding to communities.”
10.33am GMT10:3310.33am GMT10:33
The worst may be over, but there are still 32 flood warnings in England and Wales.The worst may be over, but there are still 32 flood warnings in England and Wales.
31 flood warnings and 131 flood alerts in England and Wales this morning. Be #floodaware Stay safe: check the latest https://t.co/pEzuXVrJv331 flood warnings and 131 flood alerts in England and Wales this morning. Be #floodaware Stay safe: check the latest https://t.co/pEzuXVrJv3
10.31am GMT10:3110.31am GMT10:31
Dumfries in southern Scotland was one of the worst affected communities by Storm Frank.Dumfries in southern Scotland was one of the worst affected communities by Storm Frank.
Peebles was hit by flooding when the River Tweed burst its banks.Peebles was hit by flooding when the River Tweed burst its banks.
The flooded Knavesmire in York.The flooded Knavesmire in York.
10.06am GMT10:0610.06am GMT10:06
Libby BrooksLibby Brooks
Scotland took the worst of Storm Frank, as heavy rains forced people into temporary accommodation. Our Scotland correspondent reports.Scotland took the worst of Storm Frank, as heavy rains forced people into temporary accommodation. Our Scotland correspondent reports.
Around 100 people spent the night in temporary accommodation after the River Dee in Aberdeenshire burst its banks late on Wednesday. As the river reached its highest level since 1928, residents on Aberdeen’s Riverside Drive and a nearby sheltered accomodation were evacuated and a makeshift rest centre was opened at the Norwood Hotel.Around 100 people spent the night in temporary accommodation after the River Dee in Aberdeenshire burst its banks late on Wednesday. As the river reached its highest level since 1928, residents on Aberdeen’s Riverside Drive and a nearby sheltered accomodation were evacuated and a makeshift rest centre was opened at the Norwood Hotel.
Some 100 people spent the night military barracks after the Dee also flooded in Ballater, east of the city. Local people helped to make beds and open the kitchens to provide hot drinks and food for the evecuees. Speaking to the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland from Victoria Barracks, local resident Billy Begg described the speed with which the river burst its banks and flooded his home.Some 100 people spent the night military barracks after the Dee also flooded in Ballater, east of the city. Local people helped to make beds and open the kitchens to provide hot drinks and food for the evecuees. Speaking to the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland from Victoria Barracks, local resident Billy Begg described the speed with which the river burst its banks and flooded his home.
“It was like a flash flood. The water was rising so quickly. The firemen knocked on our door and threw a harness onto me and said ‘we’ve got to get you out’.” Begg said that he and his wife had not time to save anything from their home. “I just have what I’m standing in. I’m still in my slippers.”“It was like a flash flood. The water was rising so quickly. The firemen knocked on our door and threw a harness onto me and said ‘we’ve got to get you out’.” Begg said that he and his wife had not time to save anything from their home. “I just have what I’m standing in. I’m still in my slippers.”
According to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), 64 flood warnings remain in place this morning, two of them severe around the Tweed in Peebles and the Whitesands area of Dumfries.According to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), 64 flood warnings remain in place this morning, two of them severe around the Tweed in Peebles and the Whitesands area of Dumfries.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon is due to visit Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway, one of the communities worst affected by the storm.First minister Nicola Sturgeon is due to visit Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway, one of the communities worst affected by the storm.
Heading to south of Scotland this morning to see for myself some of the damage caused by #StormFrank & thank those working 24/7 to respond.Heading to south of Scotland this morning to see for myself some of the damage caused by #StormFrank & thank those working 24/7 to respond.
Updated at 11.05am GMTUpdated at 11.05am GMT
9.46am GMT09:469.46am GMT09:46
BP orders complete evacuation of Valhall field in North SeaBP orders complete evacuation of Valhall field in North Sea
BP has already evacuated 150 people from offshore platforms in the North Sea due to an unmanned barge drifting in rough seas toward the Valhall oil field, Reuters reports. Eighty five remain on the platforms.BP has already evacuated 150 people from offshore platforms in the North Sea due to an unmanned barge drifting in rough seas toward the Valhall oil field, Reuters reports. Eighty five remain on the platforms.
Company spokesman Jan-Erik Geirmo said a tug boat was trying to gain control of the barge, which started drifting amid strong winds and high waves late last night. Earlier, Norway’s Statoil said one worker was killed and two were injured when a big wave slammed into a drilling rig on Wednesday in the Troll field, also in the North Sea. Most workers were evacuated from the rig as it headed to shore under its own power.Company spokesman Jan-Erik Geirmo said a tug boat was trying to gain control of the barge, which started drifting amid strong winds and high waves late last night. Earlier, Norway’s Statoil said one worker was killed and two were injured when a big wave slammed into a drilling rig on Wednesday in the Troll field, also in the North Sea. Most workers were evacuated from the rig as it headed to shore under its own power.
Valhall is an oil field in the southern Norwegian North Sea. Located in 70 metres of water, the field was originally developed with three facilities, but has now 8 platforms. Production started in 1982.Valhall is an oil field in the southern Norwegian North Sea. Located in 70 metres of water, the field was originally developed with three facilities, but has now 8 platforms. Production started in 1982.
9.31am GMT09:319.31am GMT09:31
Mark TranMark Tran
Hundreds of homes were evacuated and thousands are without power after Storm Frank battered the UK with heavy rain and high winds. Residents in Scotland were the latest to endure the misery of being forced from their homes by bad weather as the third named storm in a month hit the country, causing widespread disruption. Further torrential rain also hit the saturated north of England, with people in Croston, Lancashire, urged to immediately evacuate their homes. As the clean-up gets underway, here is the situation on New Year’s Eve.Hundreds of homes were evacuated and thousands are without power after Storm Frank battered the UK with heavy rain and high winds. Residents in Scotland were the latest to endure the misery of being forced from their homes by bad weather as the third named storm in a month hit the country, causing widespread disruption. Further torrential rain also hit the saturated north of England, with people in Croston, Lancashire, urged to immediately evacuate their homes. As the clean-up gets underway, here is the situation on New Year’s Eve.