Storm Dennis: what do flood warnings and alerts mean?

Storm Dennis has set a record for flood alerts, with more than 300 flood warnings still in place across the UK.

The current warnings include five severe warnings in England, which mean there is a danger to life.

Over the weekend, some areas were struck by winds over 90mph while more than a month's worth of rain fell in 48 hours. Although the worst of Storm Dennis has passed, weather experts have warned the UK can still expect more wet and windy conditions into the coming week.

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A man died after being pulled from a swollen river in the Swansea valley although police believe the incident was not directly linked to the weather. Hundreds of people were moved from their homes.

In South Wales, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, a major incident has been declared as the rivers burst their banks leaving homes and businesses submerged in flood waters.

The north Atlantic storm caused nearly 600 flood warnings and alerts in England alone on Sunday, more than any other day on record. Dozens more were in place across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Flood Alerts mean that flooding is possible and locals should be prepared. Flood Warnings are the next step up – they mean flooding is expected and immediate action is required. Severe Flood Warnings mean there is a danger to life.

On Monday morning, Severe Flood Warnings were in place in several areas, including the River Teme at Eardiston, the River Teme at Little Hereford and Ashford Carbonel and the River Wye at Blackmarstone, Hereford.

Flood Warnings were in place in 282 areas while 346 locations were facing Flood Alerts. There were 189 areas with Flood Warnings No Longer In Force – meaning they had Flood Warnings or Flood Alerts removed in the last 24 hours.

You can check the warnings and alerts currently in place here. There is advice on how to prepare if your home is at risk of flooding here.