London: Britain is bracing itself for more flooding as a winter storm named Hercules made its way from the US to the country's coastline.
Huge waves are battering the southern coast of the UK with waves of up to 27 feet recorded off Land's End in Cornwall.
Travel by road and rail is being hit, causing disruption for many returning to work here after the long Christmas holiday period.
Western and southern areas are bearing the brunt of the latest severe weather, and forecasters are warning that flooding could be worse than that seen in recent days.
The Met Office issued a "be aware" yellow warning for wind, as gusts of up to 70mph are expected on the west and south-west coast of Britain and the east coast of Northern Ireland today.
This will cause "exceptionally high waves", the Met Office predicted.
A spokesperson confirmed that Britain was faced with the same system that had led to extraordinary freezing conditions in the US over the past week.
UK environment minister Owen Paterson has chaired a Cobra emergency meeting to ensure agencies are ready to respond and addressed the House of Commons on measures being taken to ensure safety measures.
Social media networks were abuzz with reports that professional surfers from California and Hawaii had flown to Europe ahead of the storm surge.
Devon and Cornwall Police warned thrill-seekers to stay away.
"We have had several incidents where people have died or put their lives at risk and we would reiterate that message, to avoid any risk in coastal areas," a spokesperson said.
The UK Environment Agency estimates that about 220 properties have been flooded so far as miles of coastline have been battered and roads and fields across the country are under water.
The approach of Hercules is adding to fears across Britain facing its most severe winter weather since 1991.
PTI
First Published: Monday, January 6, 2014, 21:55