Storm Dennis news – live: Flooding hits swathes of country amid travel chaos as minister admits ‘we can’t protect every home’

Hundreds of residents were forced to evacuate their homes while transport has been left severely disrupted after Storm Dennis lashed the UK with heavy rain and strong winds over the weekend.

The Environment Agency issued a record number of flood alerts – more than 600, including four severe “danger to life” warnings – as more than a month’s worth of rain fell in 48 hours in some parts of the country.

After police forces declared major incidents in south Wales, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire, recovery efforts are now underway to help those worst affected by Storm Dennis. Follow our live updates below: