Storm Frank: Flood-hit areas to see 'respite' over the next 48 hours as rain eases

The Met Office has said areas afflicted by floods will see a "respite" over the next 48 hours with "clear, dry spells" and some thundery showers expected to pass over quickly.

Forecaster Emma Boorman told The Independent : "Through today there are going to be some heavy and thundery showers which will affect everywhere across the UK but they are moving very quickly so we are not expecting any more issues in the areas which have already been hit."

She said the country would go through a dry period overnight with a "really clear and bright start" to New Year's Day.

"For the next 48 hours, although there will be some transit rain at times most of it will move through pretty quickly and provide some respite for the flood waters to subside", she added.

The Environment Agency has downgraded several of its flood warnings with Amber alerts - meaning flooding is "likely" - only remaining in force in York.

It comes as Storm Frank brought more heavy rain and strong winds to already stricken areas.

Police Scotland has confirmed a kayaker in his 50s has drowned in the River Findhorn in Abdereenshire on Wednesday.

Sections of a nearly 150-year-old pier in Weston-super-Mare in the Bristol Channel collapsed into the sea on 29 December.

The mid-section of an 18th century bridge in the North Yorkshire town of Tadcaster also collapsed into the swollen River Wharfe. Soldiers were drafted in to evacuate homes surrounding the bridge with a 200m cordon set up amid fears of a gas explosion.

And 10 passengers - including a two children aged five and seven - were left stranded in a bus which had become submerged in floodwaters on 30 December in Ayrshire, Scotland.

One of the last people to be rescued, Alan Wilson, told Sky News how the flood waters had risen to his chest as he spent five hours waiting to be airlifted to safety by the Royal Navy.