HAIL AND HIGH WATER

Flooding forces thousands out of homes amid Tier 4 regulations. Weather warnings issued for more downpours, gales & widespread chaos

- PHIL CARDY

BRITAIN was last night bracing for a battering from Storm Bella – after thousands had already been urged to flee homes threatened by festive-season floods.

Large swathes of Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire were submerged by a Christmas Day deluge, but forecasters predicted even more widespread chaos from Bella’s torrential downpours, hail and 70mph gales.

Last night three severe risk-to-life flood warnings had been issued across England, along with 67 flood warnings and 108 flood alerts.

Amber wind warnings were also put in place, set to last until noon today.

Met Office forecasters said: “Very windy weather is expected for parts of England, Wales and the far south of Scotland, leading to disruption to transport and utilities.”

Forecasters predicted the gales could result in “injuries and danger to life” from large waves and beach material being thrown on to sea fronts, coastal roads and properties, with warnings tiles were likely to be ripped from rooftops.

Some bridges and roads were expected to close and power cuts were predicted, which could affect services such as mobile phone coverage.

Heavy rain is expected to hit western and southern areas. Up to 60mm of rain is forecast in the hills – and 25mm elsewhere – across southern England and parts of South Wales.