Tue Jan 07, 2013

Heavy rain fell across much of the UK Sunday night, with up to 1.6 in (40mm) expected on higher ground.{{more}}

The Environment Agency estimates that about 220 properties have been flooded so far as miles of coastline have been battered and roads and fields across the country are under water.

The transport network has also been hit, with roads closed and trains delayed or cancelled in many areas.

First Great Western warned passengers there was a risk to services in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset.

The Thames Barrier was in operation last night to protect people and property along the river.

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

Thames Valley Police were called to Osney Lock near the city centre at 6.30 p.m. on Saturday after receiving a report that the man had fallen into the river.

A police spokesman said the man’s death was being treated as unexplained, but was not believed to be suspicious. His next-of-kin has been informed.

The Environment Agency (EA) urged communities in Dorset and Oxfordshire to remain prepared for ‘’significant flooding’’ in the lower reaches of the Thames, Dorset Stour and Frome rivers.

Ongoing flooding is expected on the Somerset Levels and rivers in the South East, including the Severn, remain ‘’very high’’ after recent rainfall.

Jonathan Day, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, warned that the risk of flooding continued this week.

He said: ‘’Although high tides are now falling, there remains a risk of coastal flooding, especially on the south and west coasts.(The Independent)