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Storm Dennis: body found after search operation off Kent coast – live updates Storm Dennis: second body pulled from the sea near Kent – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Follow the day’s developments as high winds, heavy rain and flooding expected to bring havoc in UKFollow the day’s developments as high winds, heavy rain and flooding expected to bring havoc in UK
..and the A9 between Perth and Stirling is also causing difficulties for motorists.
Scottish rail services appear to be bearing the brunt of the disruption due to the weather conditions.
There are now 28 flood warnings and 228 flood alerts in force across England due to the storm which has been branded a “bomb cyclone”.
Warnings mean that flooding is expected and immediate action is required. Alerts mean that flooding is possible and people should be prepared.
There are 20 flood warnings and 15 flood alerts are in place across Scotland, according to the Scottish Environment Agency.
In Wales, there are two flood warnings and 35 flood alerts in force.
A second body has been pulled from the sea near Kent, police said.
Officers were called to Herne Bay at 12.15pm on Saturday and a man was declared dead at the scene. Next of kin have been informed.
Earlier, a body was found after an extensive search operation near Margate harbour after reports of a man on an oil tanker falling overboard.
Conditions in western Herefordshire are getting worse, the Environment Agency said.
A number of events and tourist attractions have been cancelled today due to the storm.A number of events and tourist attractions have been cancelled today due to the storm.
In Walsall, Bloxwich and Willenhall all the markets have been stopped from going ahead this weekend.In Walsall, Bloxwich and Willenhall all the markets have been stopped from going ahead this weekend.
Monkey World in Dorset has also closed for the day, as has Lyme Regis Aquarium.Monkey World in Dorset has also closed for the day, as has Lyme Regis Aquarium.
Rachel Burden, an Environment Agency Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, on the flood defence measures in Somerset.Rachel Burden, an Environment Agency Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, on the flood defence measures in Somerset.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has suspended services between the island’s capital, Douglas, and Heysham in Lancashire.The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has suspended services between the island’s capital, Douglas, and Heysham in Lancashire.
The firm says there may be no sailings until Monday morning because of Storm Dennis but “the situation will be checked regularly in case any can run”.The firm says there may be no sailings until Monday morning because of Storm Dennis but “the situation will be checked regularly in case any can run”.
Earlier, Wightlink Travel announced the Lymington to Yarmouth ferry service has been cancelled for today.Earlier, Wightlink Travel announced the Lymington to Yarmouth ferry service has been cancelled for today.
Environment Agency Midlands has warned that Storm Dennis could bring some heavy rain to Lincolnshire overnight and tomorrow.
An update from the Environment Agency on the state of play in Cumbria:
The man whose body was found off the coast of Kent had fallen from a fuel tanker.
He was reported overboard early on Saturday morning from a liquid petroleum gas tanker that was anchored off the harbour overnight and was discovered in the water at around 1pm after a seven-hour search in “very rough seas”, the coastguard said.
The Humber Bridge in Yorkshire has been closed to high-sided and wind-vulnerable vehicles.
Wightlink Travel has announced the Lymington to Yarmouth ferry service has been cancelled for today.
The Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry is still running but the company said it cannot be guaranteed for the rest of the day and people should only travel if essential.
There are now 18 flood warnings and 198 flood alerts issued across England, the Environment Agency said.
The warnings cover the North Sea at Scarborough, Lower Avon at Christchurch, Upper Frome at Maiden Newton and the Aire, Dart, Dee, Lemon, Ouse, Severn, Teign, Washford and Yarty rivers.
Nice day for a game of rugby?
A body has been found after an extensive search operation off the coast of Kent. Lifeboats and the coastguard helicopter had been scouring the sea near Margate harbour after reports of a man overboard, HM Coastguard said.
HMS Westminster was also believed to have responded to a relay call, and is in the area, according to ship-tracking data. The search operation came as the UK braced for the arrival of Storm Dennis, just one week after Storm Ciara.
The government said it will use “all means” available to help flood-hit communities after the army was sent in to help locals in West Yorkshire prepare for Storm Dennis.
A deployment of 75 soldiers from the 4th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland was supporting the Environment Agency’s efforts in Calderdale, which is expecting floods for the second weekend in a row.
A further 70 reservists from the 4th Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment were sent to help.
The defence secretary, Ben Wallace, said: “Our armed forces are always ready to support local authorities and communities whenever they need it.
“The rapid response of the army today will help with provision of flood relief to local communities in West Yorkshire.
“The government won’t hesitate to use all means at its disposal to mitigate the effects of Storm Dennis.”
Oliver Harmar, from the Environment Agency, is in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, where troops are preparing flood defences.