More Heavy Flooding Hits U.K.

The third heavy storm in as many weeks, packing winds up to 60 mph, hit the British Isles over the weekend, causing floods and bringing road and rail transportation to a standstill. Further damages were expected in the already soggy areas in the Southeast and the Severn Valley, and over 3,000 people have been forced from their homes around York in the North. Two people were reported killed by falling trees.

There are now 18 “severe flood warnings” in force in England and Wales. Damage estimates from the first two storms had been put at between £200 million and £650 million ($290 million and $943 million) and are sure to rise higher. BBC reports called the series of floods the worst the country has experienced since 1947.

The Association of British Insurers estimates damages so far at £400 million ($580 million) The storm moved across the channel Monday morning, but appeared to lessen in intensity, causing only minor flooding, and no serious transport problems.