Atlantic storm lashes southern England

By Tim Castle and Andrew Hough

LONDON (Reuters) - Residents on the southern coast of England were braced for further possible flooding late on Monday after authorities warned of more severe storms.

Authorities urged residents in the southwest and Wales to remain vigilent as an Atlantic storm battered the coast bringing high winds, above average tides and minor flooding.

With high tides expected on Monday evening in areas such as the Bristol Channel, Severn Estuary and Somerset coast, authorities fear flood barriers could fail.

Baroness Young, chief executive of the Environment Agency, said while a combination of strong winds, big waves and high tides had caused minor flooding along the south coast, the worst could still be to come.

"Although tides over the past 24 hours were close to predicted levels, a change in wind direction in some areas reduced the impact of the waves," she said in a statement.

"There is still a threat of flooding in (the) low lying coastal areas in the southwest and in Wales."

Earlier, wind gusts of more than 80 mph whipped up seas almost a metre above average, an Environment Agency spokeswoman said, bringing down trees, ripping off roof tiles and damaging power lines. Electricity was cut to about 10,000 homes.

The storms also brought transport chaos to many parts of the country. Airport authorities advised travellers to check flights as dozens were delayed or cancelled.