Power being restored after Storm Imogen hits England and Wales

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Fierce winds whipped up giant waves and left homes without power

More than a thousand properties remain without power after Storm Imogen brought heavy rain and strong winds.

South-west England and south and mid-Wales bore the brunt, with rail and ferry services disrupted and some schools closed.

Waves of up to 19.1m (63ft) were measured off the Cornish coast, and winds of 70-80mph felt in many areas.

An RSPCA inspector is missing after trying to rescue dozens of sea birds at Porthchapel Beach near Penzance

Although the eye of the storm passed on Monday night, high tides and large waves are expected to continue along the south coast of England on Tuesday, forecasters warned.

'Phenomenal'

Winds of more than 80mph were recorded in many areas, including 81mph on the Isles of Scilly, 84mph in Pembrey Sands, Carmarthenshire, and 96mph at The Needles, off the Isle of Wight.

The Met Office said "phenomenal" sea conditions, external were also measured at several points offshore. Defined as waves of more than 14m (46ft), it is the highest level on the World Meteorological Scale.

More than 40 Environment Agency flood warnings, external are in place, meaning flooding is expected and immediate action is required. These include several put in place by Natural Resources Wales, external.

There are also more than 140 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible and to be prepared.

Image source, Getty Images
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Several homes in Cornwall have been left without power including some in Sennan Cove, which was hit by large waves earlier

In other developments:

Image source, Arriva Trains Wales
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Flooded tracks - including this one near Machynlleth in Powys - forced some train cancellations

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Russell Cooke woke to find his car crushed by a fallen tree outside his house in Exeter

Image source, PA
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Highways England warned of the risk to high-sided vehicles - like this one which overturned on the M4 between Bridgend and Port Talbot

Image source, Getty Images
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The owner of this car on Fistral Beach in Cornwall found it partially submerged in sand on Monday

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Storm Imogen brings a turbulent start to the new week. Will things improve? Matt Taylor has the latest long range forecast.

Live flood warnings from the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Note: the Scottish Environment Protection Agency display their flood alert data differently to the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales. While the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales highlights individual rivers only, in Scotland the entire region is coloured to indicate the level of alert. This map and flood alert data are supplied to the BBC by third parties. The BBC is not responsible for its accuracy and you use it at your own risk.

Tap here, external for up-to-date flood information.

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