UK storm in pictures: Giant waves and floods

The seafront at Aberystwyth in Ceredigion — Image caption,
Parts of the UK have been hit by wild weather once again, this time as many people returned to work and school following the Christmas break. Aberystwyth, in Ceredigion, was hit by huge waves.

Aberystwyth seafront had already been badly damaged by severe weather, but on Monday around 250 people were evacuated from their seafront homes as strong winds whipped up huge waves, prompting fears of flooding.

Car flooded in the village of Tarrant Monkton, Dorset. Taken by Dorset Fire and Rescue

The latest stormy weather also caused disruption to travel in some parts of the UK, with rail services delayed or cancelled and some major roads blocked. Officials have warned motorists to avoid flooded roads such as this one in Tarrant Monkton, Dorset

David and Tracey Bradley in their canoe on a flooded Somerset Levels. Still from BBC News Channel

Some areas became completely impassable - like the Somerset Levels, a coastal plain in central Somerset. David and Tracey Bradley said they were having to travel in their canoe to fetch essential supplies from their home in the village of Muchelney, which has been cut off for about four days.

Seaton Beach Cafe, Cornwall, which has been damaged by rough seas

The weather has also caused serious damage to some more exposed coastal areas. In Seaton, Cornwall, high tides damaged part of this beach cafe and knocked down part of the sea wall.

Flooded fields in Wolvercote, Oxford taken by Twitter user @DriverVIBE

But the wild weather has also created plenty of picturesque scenes, like these fields in the village of Wolvercote, Oxford, that now appear to have been transformed into a lake.

A wreck that was exposed following the storms in Newquay, Cornwall. Pic by harbour master Graham Alecock-Smith

The storm also threw up some surprises. So much sand has been lost from the harbour in Newquay, Cornwall, that it exposed a boat wreck never been seen before. Cornwall Council, meanwhile, said the storm had caused £1.5m of damage so far.

Windsurfers taking advantage of the weather at Mudeford in Dorset

For thrill-seekers, such as this windsurfer in Mudeford, Dorset, the severe weather brought a different prospect. However, coastguards have warned people not to get too close to rough seas. Meanwhile, the search continues for Harry Martin, 18, who was last seen going out to take pictures of stormy seas in Devon four days ago.

The Stour in Dorset (taken by Twitter user Susan Grace Crocombe)

In many parts of the country, the effects of the latest storm are far from over. Three severe flood warnings remain in place for parts of Dorset - indicating danger to life and property - for the Lower Stour, Chiswell on the Isle of Portland, and Weymouth. This picture shows the Stour in Dorset

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