Weather: UK To Be Hit By Storms In Next Week

Three more powerful storms are set to batter Britain and Ireland in the next seven days, heaping further misery on millions of people affected by the extreme weather.

Wave after wave of low pressure systems building over the Atlantic will threaten coastal areas and flood-hit communities with yet more torrential rain, violent gales and heavy snow.

The barrage of bad weather is likely to hamper efforts to fight flooding in the worst-hit areas of the Somerset Levels and Thames Valley.

It is also likely to hinder efforts to restore damaged transport and power networks across the country.

While not as severe as the hurricane force winds of Wild Wednesday many areas will see gusts of 60-80mph in the coming days, while the relentless rain will continue, giving little chance for river levels to drop.

After a blustery Thursday, Britain is set to be hit by a Valentine's Day blast from the south on Friday, bringing heavy rain and snow - with Wales and the South West likely to be worst affected.

After a brief respite on Sunday, another depression will sweep across the country on Monday, bringing further downpours, although less severe than those we have seen in recent days.

Next Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be drier, offering some hope to the thousands of families whose homes have been flooded.

But a third storm will smash into the country from the Atlantic next Thursday, bringing more gales and wet weather.

Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said the country is on course for its wettest winter ever after record levels of rainfall throughout December, January and February.

"The next storm heading for the UK is developing to the south over the Azores and drawing up a lot of moisture as it goes, so is likely to bring more flooding concerns after the extreme winds seen on Wednesday," she said.

"We are in for a wet Valentine's Day, with 25mm of rain in many areas and possibly 40mm in Wales and the South West.

"As the weather moves north, heavy snow, which could be really quite significant, is likely in parts of Wales and the Midlands.

"After the rain, on Friday night the wind will pick up, with wind speeds of 60-80mph likely.

"Saturday will be rainy everywhere and while Sunday will be goodish, the next depression will bring more rain on Monday.

"Tuesday and Wednesday will be drier before another low brings strong winds hitting the south of the country on Thursday, which will continue into the weekend.

"One positive sign from the long-range forecast is that things may start to dry up into the last week of February, bringing some respite for the worst-hit areas."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

:: Sky News has a special programme dedicated to the floods crisis every night this week at 7pm.

:: You can also watch Storm Nation Special tonight at 8pm on Sky 1 (Sky channel 106).

:: Email your photos and videos of the floods to news@sky.com.