More flooding could be on the way in Ireland and an orange status warning has been issued for the south, south east and parts of the west of the island. Winds are predicted to reach 130 kilometres an hour with torrential rain over the weekend.

It is yet more misery especially for rural communities with many already struggling to cope with the downpours of last week. Emergency services are on high alert across the country and people have been warned to keep away from rivers as its feared some could burst their banks.

A government task force on emergency planning is set to meet on Monday to assess the situation.

Claims the Environment Agency in Britain had not prepared or acted effectively enough for the floods have been voiced again as the South West of England was battered by renewed gales and torrential rain.

The agency rejected the criticism while one top police official said it would be a number of weeks before the response phase moved into recovery.

The West coast of France is waiting for the arrival of another storm with warnings issued for several areas. Photographers captured dramatic images in Brittany where waves has high as eleven metres rolled in from the Atlantic.