Roof ripped off and cars submerged as Storm Brendan lashes the South

PARTS OF the UK have been hit by flooding and strong winds in the wake of Storm Brendan, with buildings damaged and cars submerged in water.

The Environment Agency had issued flood warnings and alerts across the UK, with coastal areas particularly affected.

Weather warnings are no longer in place, but strong winds and rain are expected to return today.

In Christchurch, Dorset, high tides flooded car parks by the quay, with the same happening in nearby Mudeford.

Local resident Steve Hogen told the PA news agency: “I’ve lived in Mudeford for 11 years and I personally think the flooding is getting more often and worse.”

Inland, the River Avon burst its bank in places on Wednesday morning, spilling onto roads near Chippenham, Wiltshire, and leaving some vehicles stranded.

“The B4069 is almost impassable with rising water,” said Paul Hill, 42, from Studley in Warwickshire.

“Lot of very risk-taking drivers out there who seem to be diving headlong into the Avon and being surprised how deep it is.”

Clear-up work has continued in Slough, Berkshire, after high winds blew a roof off a residential and commercial building on to the High Street on Tuesday.

I’ve lived here for 11 years and the flooding is getting worse.

Steve Hogen, who lives in Mudeford, Dorset, where high tides flooded car parks.

Taxi driver Haris Baig, 30, said: “It was a miracle no-one was killed.”

On Tuesday, a car was in the sea during rising tides in Starr Gate near Blackpool, but was later recovered by coastguards.

In Yorkshire, the Met Office has forecast the weather today to be dry through the morning with spells of hazy sunshine.

Increasing cloud and strong southerly winds will bring rain through the afternoon and evening.

Clear spells, brisk winds and showers are due overnight.

PICTURES: PA WIRE TORN OFF: The roof of a building in Slough High Street was blown off by the wind; above, a flooded ‘B’ road and fields in Christian Malford, Wiltshire, after the River Avon burst its banks; right, a car stranded in the sea in Blackpoo, which was later recovered.