Aerial shots taken over south west England show homes, roads and land completely submerged under water.

Heavy storms, responsible for the deaths of three and the flooding of hundreds of homes, have ravaged the area since Wednesday.

Officials say the stormy weather is heading north and could put another 70,000 properties at risk.

Environment Secretary David Owen visited some of the worst hit areas.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY OWEN PATERSON SAYING:

"I'd like to offer my deepest sympathies to those who have been affected by floods, 450 households all over the south west. It's frightening for young people, very difficult for elderly people and of course very disruptive for business."

Residents said they could only watch as water began to flood their homes.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) LOCAL RESIDENT, MATTHEW WESCOTT, SAYING:

"Yeah (on) Saturday night, about ten, eleven o'clock it started coming in."

Forecasters have warned there is more severe weather to come in the next few days.