'Danger to life' floods after Storm Franklin - Brits told to flee homes amid snow & 70mph gales

Floodwater has burst through defences after heavy rain battered parts of the UK after Storm Franklin.

Two severe warnings are in force today along the River Severn where rising water levels pose a "significant danger to life" and residents are being urged to flee their homes.

Hundreds have already been evacuated, and the Met Office "strongly recommends" others move out from behind the defences due to the risk of their houses becoming engulfed.

Anyone living nearby in Ironbridge, Shropshire, and Bewdley, Worcestershire, has also been told to move possessions and valuables off the ground or to safety, and to turn off gas, electricity and water.

There are two severe flood warnings, 62 warnings and 66 alerts in place in England as the wild weather sweeps in.

A further six alerts and one warning cover Wales, while in Scotland there are five in force.

The rare "severe" warnings pushed police to declare "major incidents" in Worcestershire and Shropshire yesterday, with some told only to remain at home if they have enough food, water and medical supplies to last at least a week.

Around 400 properties have already flooded as a result of the heavy rain, but the Environment Agency says many more are expected to give in later today.

Aerial photos show defences have been swarmed by floodwater, which is continuing to rise.

EA flood duty manager Katharine Smith advised people to stay away from swollen rivers and to take "extreme care" when out.