Officials warn of further damage as Storm Frank approaches

Among the disruptions to travel on major roads was a stretch of the motorway linking Scotland with England, which was shut in both directions due to flooding, according to Traffic Scotland. Residents along the banks of the River Shannon, above and below the weir at Parteen, have been warned to expect higher water levels, adding to existing flooding problems.

The likelihood of prolonged showers has also led to the Met Office issuing a yellow “be aware” warning for rain and wind across northwest England – including in Lancashire, where many villages are beginning to pick up the pieces after flooding over Christmas devastated dozens of homes.

The warnings follow heavy rainfall in Londonderry on Monday during which fire fighters had to rescue a woman after she became trapped in her vehicle in flooding in the Rosemount area.

The Environment Agency said Britain had faced an extraordinary period of severe weather and flooding in December, with consultants PwC warning that the latest deluge from Storm Frank could take total losses above 3 billion pounds ($4.5 billion).

However, thousands of families and businesses across the north of the country will have endured another devastating day and, with Storm Frank forecast for this evening, we remain committed to doing everything we can to help those communities affected.

A flood alert is now in place on the middle Avon, but more could be issued as the storm passes across the region.

Residents in Braemar and Ballater in Aberdeenshire were told to leave their homes, the same fate which has befallen many caught up in the recent floods which submerged much of Yorkshire.

During the early hours the sixth named storm of the season battered parts of Ireland – with strong winds whipping up waves in Galway.

Meanwhile in England, the Environment Agency (EA) has promised a “complete rethink” of flooding preparedness as Storm Frank threatened to bring more misery. In one an 18th century stone bridge in the North Yorkshire town of Tadcaster is seen to be washed away like balsa wood by the force of the swollen river Wharf.

Tonight: Most parts should be dry but rain could threaten some southern areas.

A spokesperson for Arriva Trains Wales urged those planning to use rail services to check the latest update on their journey before travelling.

David Cameron defended government flood defence spending in meetings with flood victims yesterday and denied accusations of a “north-south” divide in investment.