
Flood-hit homeowners in northern England were warned tonight that Storm Frank will bring more devastation with 80mph winds and six inches of rain.

Part of an 18th century Yorkshire bridge collapsed into a river but flood waters which have devastated communities finally began to recede today.

However forecasters say Britain’s sixth named storm is heading straight for the country tonight, and will cause 'significant impact' when it sweeps in.

The Met Office has issued severe amber-graded weather warnings - which advise residents to 'be prepared' for further flooding.

Cumbria, York and parts of Scotland are expected to be among the worst hit areas, and western coasts are also set to experience severe gales.

Scroll down for video and forecast

Falling in: Part of the ancient bridge in the centre of Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, has collapsed into the River Wharf

Going, going, gone: A crowd gathered in Tadcaster as stone could be heard falling into the water and creaking noises could be heard

Scary: People watching ran as a wave headed towards the bank and a strong smell of gas came from pipes left visible in the gaping hole

Flooding fears: Soldiers have been drafted in to evacuate homes around the storm-battered bridge in Tadcaster after it started to collapse

Concerns for Tadcaster: Soldiers are evacuating people after setting up a cordon, saying it was 'due to fears of a gas explosion'

Investigation: Residents were plunged into darkness as a power cut hit the part of Tadcaster which lies to the east of the river

Help at hand: Buses and mountain rescue teams arrived to take any residents who needed somewhere to stay to a reception centre

On the scene: The Environment Agency warned ‘significant flooding is expected in the Tadcaster area’ and told of a ‘significant risk to life'

Emergency response: Firemen on the scene of a bridge collapse in Tadcaster this evening which is said to have caused a gas leak

Final image: A view of the ancient bridge in Tadcaster this afternoon - hours before part of the structure collapsed into the River Wharf

A section of the bridge, which was built around 1700, in the centre of Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, dramatically collapsed into the River Wharf today.

The road was closed due to fears over the bridge’s structural safety but a small crowd gathered tonight as stone could be heard falling into the water.

Creaking noises could also be heard, and just before 5pm a huge chunk of the bridge fell into the swirling torrent.

People watching ran as a wave headed towards the bank and a strong smell of gas came from pipes left visible in the gaping hole.

Emergency services arrived before soldiers were deployed to evacuate people and set up a cordon, saying it was ‘due to fears of a gas explosion’.

An Environment Agency spokesman warned that ‘significant flooding is expected in the Tadcaster area’ and told of a ‘significant risk to life’.

Police said homes either side of the bridge were being evacuated, with residents being taken to a rest centre at Tadcaster grammar school.

At the scene, Conservative Selby and Ansty MP Nigel Adams said he had been on the bridge with Communities Secretary Greg Clark earlier today.

He said: ‘It was a few hours before it collapsed. We did go on to have a look at some of the damage. In hindsight, we shouldn't have been on it.

‘But I thought it was important that I showed the secretary of state the severity of the damage and the impact.

Forecast: The Met Office said flood-hit communities will have brief respite from the downpours today (left) before Storm Frank sweeps in overnight - bringing torrential rain and 80mph gales to much of England, including the already-saturated regions of Cumbria and Yorkshire

‹ Slide me › Before and after: These dramatic photographs show the difference just two days makes. The picture on the left shows the waist-deep flooding in Walmgate in central York on December 27. The picture on the right shows how floodwaters have finally receded today (right). It comes as residents across the north brace themselves for more flooding tonight as Storm Frank brings six inches of rain and 80mph gales

‹ Slide me › What a difference two days makes: The Red Lion pub in York was severely flooded in the Boxing Day floods and is shown largely submerged in floodwater on December 27 (left). Today, the waters have finally drained away, leaving mud and silt behind (shown right)

‹ Slide me › Counting the cost: A main road in York was besieged by floodwater, with the street totally submerged when this picture (left) was taken on December 27. Just two days later and the water has finally eased away today (right), as residents brace for another storm later tonight

‹ Slide me › Easing away: Floodwaters were finally receding in flood-hit York today (right), including in Huntington Road (pictured) which was besieged by floodwater on December 27 (left). However, forecasters are warning of further flooding tonight and tomorrow thanks to Storm Frank

Before the storm comes: As residents entered their fourth day of flooding misery today, they desperately tried to empty floodwater from their properties and seal all entrances and holes as forecasters warned Storm Frank will sweep across Britain tonight - bringing 80mph winds and six inches of rain. Cumbria, York (pictured) and parts of Scotland are expected to be among the worst-hit areas tomorrow

Assessing the damage: People across York entered their fourth day of facing severe flooding as the waters showed no sign of receding

‘We are where we are now. We need to try and ensure that it's repaired as soon as practically possible.’

Local authorities responding to the latest flooding crisis in northern England are to get £50 million of immediate funding, the Government announced.

Mr Clark said the money - on top of the £50million already pledged for those hit by Storm Desmond - would help support households and businesses.

He also confirmed that the Bellwin scheme will be extended to councils trying to deal with the impact of Storm Eva over Christmas.

This will mean they will have 100 per cent of their costs above the threshold reimbursed.

Residents evacuated from their homes were plunged into darkness as a power cut hit the part of Tadcaster which lies to the east of the river.

Elland Bridge, between Huddersfield and Halifax in West Yorkshire, has also been closed after the carriageway crumbled and collapsed after the floods.

More than 6,700 homes have flooded in the past week. Police urged people in Kendal, Cumbria, to do their shopping before bad weather hits again.

And residents across flood-hit York face further misery after being evacuated on Boxing Day when the rivers Ouse and Foss toppled their defences.

Today, as communities entered the fourth day of their flooding nightmare, many were trying to get back into their flooded homes to assess the damage.

Deluge: Waste bins and recycling containers were scattered in floodwater today as York city centre faced another day of flooding misery

Too much water: Flood defences have struggled to cope with the demand as an 'unprecedented' amount of rain has lashed the north

Underwater: Signposts remained almost completely submerged in floodwater today in York city centre as the flooding misery continued

Stately: Floodwater laps up to the walls of the ornate Bishopthorpe Palace in York, which is home of the archbishop of York, John Sentamu

A scene of devastation: This dramatic aerial photo shows the extent of the flooding across York, including outside Bishopthorpe Palace

Flooded: An exhibition featuring a mock-up of a Viking city also fell victim to the floods. Pictures show Viking models and mannequin families sat among dirty floodwater after the JORVIK Viking Centre in York was besieged when the River Foss burst its banks on Sunday

Submerged: Spokesman Sarah Maltby said staff at the Viking Centre in York built a barricade on Sunday to keep the water back but it still came through the floor and walls. She said: 'In the 32 years that Jorvik has been open, it has never flooded before. We are devastated'

However, many have been hampered by looters who have been taking advantage of the floods to make off with household items and vehicles.

West Yorkshire Police warned that some flood-hit communities had fallen victim to looters with items left to dry outside properties being stolen.

The force said: 'We are being made aware of persons... removing items which are being left outside properties either for disposal or to dry out.

'In order to ensure the safety of empty properties in the area, additional police resources have been drafted in from other districts and areas.

‘[And] several motorcycle clubs from the Bradford and surrounding areas have volunteered to patrol the area as extra eyes and ears on the ground.'

The biker gangs are said to be called The Drifters, Pyeratz, Nuntaii Mortis and Broken Bones.

The Cycle Factory of Todmorden, a recently-opened bicycle shop in Calderdale, West Yorkshire, was among the businesses to be targeted by looters.

In a Facebook post, a company spokesman said: 'Struggling for words here we got flooded on Saturday as did a lot of people.

‘Last night we were robbed by the scum of the earth praying on flood victims.' Residents also reported items being stolen from flood victims.

Aid: A Guardian journalist tweeted this photograph of what she said were Syrian refugees helping fill sandbags in Rochdale today

Military help: An RAF Chinook helicopter assists in repairing a damaged river bank in the flood-hit Lancashire village of Croston

Assistance: The Environment Agency requested the assistance of the RAF and soldiers in the Lancashire village of Croston

Working together: This Ministry of Defence image shows a Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter and soldiers from 2 Lancs helping out today

Unbelievable: An astroturf football pitch at Woodhouse Grove School, Bradford, West Yorkshire has been ripped up by the recent flooding

Unexpected: A worker surveys the damage to an artificial football pitch at Woodhouse Grove School, Bradford after it was ruined by floods

From above: These amazing aerial photos show the flooded possessions piled outside homes in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, today as residents and business owners attempt to begin the huge clean-up operation following the widespread flooding which hit on Boxing Day

View from the air: Aerial photos show hundreds of household items and possessions piled outside homes in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire

A storm approaches: This satellite image from the NASA MODIS instruments Terra and Aqua today shows Storm Frank approaching Britain (right) in the wake of 'unprecedented' rainfall which has caused widespread flooding in the north of England. Forecasters have warned that more heavy rain is heading for Britain and Northern Ireland towards the middle of this week, with winds of up to 80mph by tomorrow

Here it comes: A satellite image taken at 1pm today shows Storm Frank approaching the United Kingdom from the South West

Karen Davies-Ward said on Facebook: 'People been seen/caught by residents in vans [in] Elland, trying to loot things too. Absolutely disgusts me.’

Ana Maria Chiru said: 'Bad times when people take advantage of others' misery for profit.’

Linda Johnson added: 'Good to see [you] looking after the poor people who av (sic) lost everything. Shame on those taking advantage.'

North Yorkshire Police also raised concerns of opportunistic thieves.

The force said uniformed officers had been deployed to some flooded streets in York today following reports of burglaries.

Acting Superintendent Mark Grange said: 'It is extremely disappointing to see victims of the floods being targeted in this way.

'It is impossible to comprehend why anyone would want to bring further suffering to those who are already in a very vulnerable situation.

'Burglary will not be tolerated and those who commit this type of crime will face the full force of the law.

'I want to take this opportunity to remind residents to be vigilant and ensure property is as secure as it possibly can be.'

Heading for Britain: This wind graphic shows the storm-force winds which are set to hit Britain tonight and tomorrow. The green shading shows the weather front which is currently over the Atlantic with forecasters saying it will move across the UK overnight into Wednesday

Weather warnings: The Met Office has issued yellow-graded warnings of rain and severe gales for all of Scotland, parts of the north and all western coasts of the UK for today (left). The warnings remain in place for tomorrow, and are joined by a more severe amber warning (right). It means flood-hit areas across the north including Cumbria and York face further deluge from Storm Frank - Britain's sixth named storm

Dramatic: This graphic shows how storm-force winds, measuring up to 11 on the Beaufort Scale, will hit Britain tomorrow as Storm Frank sweeps across the country. The graphic shows the strength of the winds (the darker colours indicate the highest wind speeds) at 6pm

Here come the troops! Members of the British Army are continuing to provide sandbags and help to flood-affected areas of York today

In order: Soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment help sandbag a British Telecom building to protect it from further flooding

Helping each other: Soldiers from the 2nd BattalionThe Yorkshire Regiment help sandbag a building in York as the flooding continues

Marching: Soldiers carried sandbags as they helped to protect properties from the latest flooding expected to hit the north overnight

Heavy work: Soldiers from the Light Dragoons deliver sandbags into Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, in preparation for Storm Frank

In stark contrast to people taking advantage of flood victims' despair, members of the public and armed forces rallied around to offer their support today.

Members of the 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, based at Catterick in North Yorkshire are working 12-hour shifts to help out residents in need.

About 100 soldiers are now taking part in a 'warning and informing' exercise in York while 700 more are going door-to-door to help homeowners.

The Army stepped in on December 7 after Storm Desmond, and will aid the Environment Agency and the emergency services as long as is required.

They have never had any specific flood training, but have been putting their current skill-set to good use.

Mr Zellison said: 'The soldiers are happy to help out. They are Yorkshire soldiers helping the Yorkshire community.

'They can understand the suffering that they are going through.'

As well as troops turning out to help, a group of Syrian refugees also visited flood victims today to lend a hand because they 'wanted to give back'.

On patrol: North Yorkshire Police said uniformed officers had been deployed to the streets of York after reports of opportunistic thieves

What a sight! A Chinook helicopter was spotted over a flooded street in York today as it delivered much-needed supplies to flood barriers

Trying to make do: A man wades through floodwater in York and attempts to shift some using a plastic container as the misery goes on

Every little helps: Soldiers rip up a ruined wooden floor at a property in Huntington Road, York, after it was damaged by floodwaters

Respect: Members of the 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, based at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, are working 12-hour shifts

How can we help? Troops visited properties in the flood-hit York area today to offer flooding advice and help out where necessary

Washing away: A man cleans up the floor of his business after floodwaters receded on Huntington Road in York - leaving mud behind

Making the best of a bad situation: The clean-up has been continuing today as the floodwaters finally began to ease out of York properties

The group from Manchester travelled to Rochdale to help people sort through their flood-ravaged possessions and clear floodwater from properties.

Yasser al-Jassem, 35, who fled to Britain in the back of a lorry from Calais in May, told the Guardian: 'We saw the pictures on TV and wanted to help.'

The teacher added: 'The people of Greater Manchester have been very good to us and so we wanted to offer our help to them.'

It came as businesses near the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss in York were able to get back into their properties and assess the damage.

Phil O'Dea, who runs a guitar and music shop, said he was amazed how deep the floodwater got at the height of the flooding.

He said his shop on Fossgate was wrecked by three feet of water from the nearby River Foss and many of his guitars were now useful 'only as paddles'.

But he said his main concern when the problems started on Boxing Day were people stuck in surrounding flats.

Mr O'Dea said: 'Our main concern was getting those people out of the flats. The shop's pretty much irrelevant when there's people trapped.'

Not much of a festive season: A lone Christmas tree stands in a flood-hit property in York as residents face the huge clean-up operation

Some areas remain flooded: This picture shows the flooded basement of a residential property in York, where the water remained high

No use: A group of office chairs were abandoned outside a property in York today after being damaged by the flooding in recent days

Recovery: A classic TR6 car had to be rescued by its owners today after being stricken in floodwaters for several days in York city centre

Sifting through: Volunteers joined forces in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, today as they attempted to remove mud from the roads

Anguish: Staff at a shop in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, pour soft drinks down the drains after they were left outside overnight in the street and people tried to take them. It comes as police warned looters were taking advantage of the floods to steal goods and produce

Rubble: A huge pile of debris and damaged goods was stacked outside homes in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, as the clean-up began

Muddy scenes: Residue from the floodwaters lingered on the roads of Hebden Bridge today - causing misery to motorists and homeowners

Of the floodwater, he added: 'We didn't think it would breach the door. It's unprecedented for it to rise any higher than that.

'But the next day I came back and it was like three-and-a-half to four foot deep. You can't really do anything then. What's happened has happened.'

Nearby EA staff were working on the now shut Foss Barrier, which is at the centre of a debate on how the River Foss flooded for the first time in years.

Yesterday, a Chinook helicopter was needed to access the structure and drop off much-needed supplies.

But Mr O'Dea was phlegmatic about the agency's decision to open the barrier rather than risk it getting stuck while in the 'down' position.

He said: 'Someone had to make a decision. You wouldn't want to be that person.

'But, at the end of the day, if that saved 9,000 to 10,000 homes from flooding, maybe they've done the right thing.

'It's easy for me to say, my business is ruined, but it's just a business. It's not someone's house.

Arduous task: Residents and business owners were facing the huge task of clearing up from the flood damage in Hebden Bridge today

Helping out: Volunteers helped remove flood-damaged items from the RSPCA charity shop in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, earlier today

Flood-hit: Workers from Co-op store in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, were forced to throw all these damaged goods into nearby skips

Destroyed: Workers prepare to demolish the 200-year-old Waterside Pub at Summerseat in Greater Manchester which collapsed during the Boxing Day floods. The disused pub was completely devastated after it fell into the River Irwell. No one was injured in the incident

On the way to safety! A woman steps into an inflatable rescue boat in Skeldergate, York, as evacuations continued in flood-hit areas today

Concerned: Two residents were helped into a rescue boat and taken to safety as the floodwater continued to blight their York home

Catastrophic: Most of the remaining severe 'danger to life' flood warnings issued by the EA for England and Wales are centred on York

More is coming: As floodwater finally began to recede in York today, forecasters warned of further misery brought by Storm Frank tonight

'I'd be a lot unhappier if it was my house with all my photos and my family in it.

'This can be rebuilt, it's just stuff. I feel for people whose houses are underwater.'

Floods minister Rory Stewart is 'very concerned' about the further deluge Storm Frank could bring and said that it could lead to a 'bad situation'.

It came after he insisted that 'what is beating us is this relentless rain' as he defended the Government's response to flooding.

The Met Office said rain overnight would be lighter than the recent downpours but Storm Frank would be in full force by tomorrow.

Severe gales and downpours are forecast to sweep back in from this evening, with Cumbria and southern and central Scotland most at risk.

Most of the nine remaining 'severe' flood warnings issued by the EA for England and Wales - meaning potential loss of life - are centred on York.

The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings with up to 1.5in (40mm) of persistent rain expected widely across areas of Britain by tomorrow.

Aftermath: Aerial view of the centre of York where the record level of floodwater has started to recede leaving residents counting the cost

A huge clean-up ahead: Residents and business owners have an almighty task on their hand after thousands of properties flooded

Fields turn into lakes: This stunning aerial images shows the remaining flooding along the River Ouse in York after it burst its banks

Extensive flooding: A vast area remains flooded in Selby and Cawood, North Yorkshire today with fields completely trashed by the water

Iconic: Flooding was still largely evident around Tewkesbury Abbey in Gloucestershire today as the UK braces for another storm tonight

It's not just in the north: As well as in York, Leeds and Cumbria, flooding was also present at Tewkesbury Abbey in Gloucestershire today

Gone! The 184-year old Copley Bridge near Halifax, West Yorkshire, collapsed after torrential downpours and flooding engulfed Calderdale

Going, going, gone! The Grade II listed bridge, built in 1831 by Richard Kennett-Dawson, the last lord of the Manor of Copley, led to the redundant St Stephen's Church near Halifax and also served an old toll house which was converted into a dwelling some years ago

The parts expected to be hit are Northern Ireland, west and south-west Scotland, Wales and north-west England - flooded by Storm Desmond.

Twice that is possible - 3in (80mm) - over high ground, with some exposed areas in south-west Scotland and Cumbria could be hit by 6in (150mm).

Forecasters said the conditions were 'not unusual for this time of year' and comparable with the storms of the winter of 2013-14.

Will Lang, a chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'Everyone should be aware of the potential for disruption in places from further flooding and the impacts of the gales to transport.'

Police Scotland also issued a warning to residents and motorists urging them to take extra care in the stormy conditions.

Chief Inspector Andy McLean, local area commander, added: 'From Tuesday evening people should only travel if absolutely necessary, particularly in the western half of the Borders.

'Road conditions are likely to become very difficult due to flooding and standing water, and there is a significant possibility that roads will need to be closed. Drivers should under no circumstances ignore road closed signs.'

In the Borders, 20,000 sandbags are being filled as communities prepare for up to 120mm of rain in some locations.

The local council has held an emergency meeting to plan for the severe weather and potential flooding.

The coastguard has also advised vessel owners to think twice before venturing out in the expected storms and told photographers to avoid putting themselves in danger.

Mark Rodaway, commander with HM Coastguard, said: 'We've all seen the dramatic pictures of flooding inland and some equally dramatic images from coastal storms.

TRAFFIC WARDENS SLAMMED AS 'MINDLESS' IN FLOOD-HIT AREAS Traffic wardens have been spotted putting parking tickets on the cars of flood victims in Greater Manchester. But council bosses in Rochdale soon announced they were waiving the fines following the deluge on Boxing Day. One witness told the Manchester Evening News that he saw tickets placed on cars and vans in bays just yards from where engineers were restoring power to homes. But a council spokesman said on Twitter: ‘Any car parking tickets issued in flood affected areas will be cancelled.’ But Phil Watson responded by saying: ‘So tickets had been issued on cars that were flooded? What kind of mindless drone do you employ?’ Advertisement

'Do not be tempted to go out and take those photographs yourself. No photograph or selfie is worth risking your life for.'

While the extreme weather will bring further misery tomorrow and on Thursday, it is expected to clear just in time for New Year's Eve celebrations.

Met Office spokesman Nicky Maxey said: 'We're expecting the weather to be much more settled, with patches of sunshine in some areas alongside showers in other places.

'We're also expecting temperatures to dip to a much cooler temperature than we've seen of late.

'Rain showers expected in the next few days could fall as snow in areas over 400 metres. There could also be some frost overnight.'

Earlier, Mr Stewart tried to defend the Government's flood defences, saying that three-and-a-half weeks of torrential downpours had defeated some flood gates despite an 'enormous amount of money' being spent.

He said: 'The underlying central problem I'm afraid is the weather. We have never had rain like this before.

'Rivers here which haven't flooded in this way for 75 years are 15 feet up. I'm afraid that is the fundamental problem here.

'We are spending an enormous amount of money on flood defences. In the end what is beating us is this relentless rain.'

Mr Stewart warned there could be a 'very bad situation' on Wednesday and Thursday when Storm Frank sweeps in.

Asked how worried he is about the forecasts, Mr Stewart told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Very concerned. These emergency services personnel have been working really hard, so have volunteers.

Morning delivery: Two cartons of milk were placed outside a flooded home in York this morning as residents attempted to return home

Ongoing: Water was still being pumped out of a pump in York today (left) while a resident began sandbagging outside his property in the Huntingdon Road area of the historic city as he prepared for another wave of flooding which is set to hit the region overnight

Surveying the damage: A man looks out over a flooded York city centre as the water level finally recedes from a bridge's stairwell today

River run: Pubs, homes and shops all remain deluged by floodwater in York today as residents enter the fourth day of widespread flooding

Christmas is over: Damaged prosecco and beer bottles lay scattered in the mud and silt following flooding at the Red Lion pub in York

To shore: The narrow boat was left stranded on the river bank adjacent to the Calder & Hebble Navigation in Elland after the river breached

Beached: A narrow boat was left stranded on the banks of the Calder & Hebble Navigation at Park Nook Lock in Elland, West Yorkshire

Bizarre: A hot tub was stranded on the edge of the Calder & Hebble Navigation in Elland, West Yorkshire, after being swept away in floods

'People have barely had a break for three-and-a-half weeks because this has been going continually since early December.

Flooding: This Environment Agency flood map shows where flood warnings and alerts have been issued in the country. As of 11am today, nine 'danger to life' warnings (shown in red) were in place while nearly 90 other alerts had also been issued (orange)

'There could be more flooding again so we really need emergency services, voluntary groups, mountain rescue to rest, to be ready for what could be a very bad situation Wednesday, Thursday.'

On whether the Government will seek EU funding to deal with the flooding aftermath, Mr Stewart also said: 'That's again something we're open-minded on but to be honest about that it can be seven or eight months to process, it's not going to be able to help people who are immediately affected.

'So our real priority at the moment is to get the money to the people who are affected and making sure businesses and householders get the support now.'

Actor Michael Sheen also caused outrage after he said he was sick of hearing that foreign aid should be diverted to help British flood victims.

Sheen – best-known for his portrayals of Tony Blair – said that criticism of the £12billion annual foreign aid budget was an 'ideological agenda'.

The comments came as stark images emerged of flood-hit residents battling to prevent further damage to their homes and businesses.

One picture shows a wine bar in York with flood water halfway up its window while another shows dirty water lapping over a woman's doorstep.

Others show debris left behind by the widespread flooding, including a hot tub which was one of the more peculiar items to fall victims to the floods.

Precariously perched on the cobbles by a canal in Elland, West Yorkshire, the spa appeared to have been washed away from a garden and made its waterlogged journey dragging its plumbing with it.

After a photo of the luxurious hot tub was posted on social media, hundreds of people shared the post in a bid to help track down the owners.

Owner Cindy Baker eventually responded but said the family no longer wanted it due to the damage. She wrote: 'Hi there, its ours (frown emoticon) we really cant afford to recover it or repair it, if anyone wants it, its yours xx' [sic]

However, about an hour later, Coral Brocklehurst Dearden wrote: 'Richard Haigh is collecting and repairing it for the owners.'

In other unusual photographs, an exhibition featuring a mock-up of a Viking city also fell victim to the floods. Pictures show Viking models and mannequin families sat among dirty floodwater after the JORVIK Viking Centre in York was besieged when the River Foss burst its banks.

Spokesman Sarah Maltby said staff at the centre built a barricade on Sunday to keep the water back but it still came through the floor and walls.

She said: 'In the 32 years that Jorvik has been open, it has never flooded before. We are devastated by the scale of the water incursion in what, until now, had been a watertight basement.'

On the mend: Workers were seen at the Foss Barrier in York today as they continued attempts to fix pumps at the site after it was flooded

Submerged: A sunken barge on the Calder & Hebble Navigation in Elland, West Yorkshire, after the waterway rose higher than before

Another victim: This sunken barge on the Calder & Hebble Navigation at Greenway in Elland was among the boats damaged in the storms

Oh dear: A canal boat was upended on the banks of the Calder & Hebble Navigation at Greenway in Elland, Yorkshire, today after the storm

Astonishing: A woman cleans the inside window of her wine bar as floodwaters rise halfway up the window in York after the the rivers Foss and Ouse burst their banks. Residents and business owners across the north face continued misery from the widespread deluge today

Prime Minister David Cameron met flood victims yesterday as the Government moved to respond to the Christmas downpours.

He defended the funding available for defences as he met people in York taking advantage of a brief respite from the weather to start cleaning up.

He said: 'We need to sit down and look at what we are planning to build, what we are planning to spend and see if more can be done.

'You don't just protect people, of course, through the flood defences, although they are important, and of course while some flood defences haven't worked this time, many flood defences have worked and protected thousands of homes.'

His comments came after the Environment Agency promised a 'complete rethink' of flooding preparation as Storm Frank threatened more misery.

SHEEN INFURIATES FLOOD VICTIMS WITH FOREIGN AID COMMENTS Michael Sheen infuriated flood victims Actor Michael Sheen infuriated flood victims yesterday by saying he was sick of hearing foreign aid should be diverted to help them. As guest editor of BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Sheen – best-known for his portrayals of Tony Blair – said that criticism of the £12billion annual foreign aid budget was an 'ideological agenda'. His comments came as stark images emerged of flood-hit residents battling to prevent further damage to their homes and businesses. Today presenter Sarah Montague spoke to Sheen about flooding after those forced from their homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lancashire questioned the use of British money abroad. Sheen, 46, told listeners: 'I think it's a false argument, I don't think it's an either/or. I think it's obviously from the newspapers you talk about – what's known as the Right-wing Press. 'I'm completely sick and I'm sure a lot of people are sick in this country of ideological agendas, using very real issues that affect ordinary people in this country and abroad as a political football.' Advertisement

The service company KPMG, which is working with organisations across the north as they respond to the flooding, said there was an initial estimate of the December flooding costing up to £5.8billion.

The Prime Minister met victims as well as those involved in the emergency response and insisted cash for defences was increasing.

He dismissed a complaint from the council leader in flood-hit Leeds the North was being neglected, claiming it got more per head than the South.

But he conceded the regularity with which homes were now being flooded made a review of what was being spent where a vital exercise.

The Government has now ordered a major review of flood prevention strategy after the latest incident saw 500 troops deployed, and 1,000 more on standby, to help clean up after thousands were evacuated and many left without power.

EA deputy chief executive David Rooke said it would have to look at ways to flood-proof homes as well as traditional defences as the UK was 'moving into a period of unknown extremes'.

'We will need to have that complete rethink and ... move from not just providing better defences - and we have a £2.3 billion programme to do that over the next six years - but looking at increasing resilience,' he told the BBC.

That would include solid floors, waterproof plaster, electrics moved up the walls and better early-warning systems, he suggested.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell has now called for an independent assessment of spending on flood defences.

'Serious concerns have been voiced today at the Government's cuts in flood defence spending since 2010. David Cameron is in danger of losing the confidence of council leaders and local communities hit by the floods,' he said.

'In order to restore confidence in government action, I propose that a prompt independent assessment is made of the future flood defence investment programme, led by independent experts, including local council leaders drawn from the affected areas.'

Green Party leader Natalie Bennett said the PM's response was 'wholly inadequate' and showed he had not 'grasped the reality of the climate change we're already experiencing'.

She joined Committee on Climate Change chairman Lord Deben in calling for urgent action to prevent housing being built in flood-risk areas.

Insurance giants have seen hefty share losses on the London stock market amid fears they face a claims bill of up to £1.5billion to cover the damage caused by this month's devastating floods.

Professional services firm KPMG estimated a total clean up cost of £5.8billion, which includes the claims hit to the insurance industry.

More Than owner RSA Insurance and Thistle owner Jardine Lloyd Thompson both fell by 2 per cent on the London Stock Exchange, while Aviva was down 0.5 per cent as Storm Frank threatens to bring more misery.

Justin Balcombe, KPMG'S UK head of general insurance management consulting, said: 'The scale of the flooding over the last few weeks has seen communities across large sections of northern England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland severely impacted.

'In 2007 when a similar pattern of flooding hit, total insured claims were £3.2bn, however, we consider that the actual financial impact far exceeded this. We are assessing this month's events through a number of economic lenses, resulting in an initial total cost estimate of £5-£5.8bn.'

This broke down into costs to different sectors such as the insurance sector, businesses, individuals, communities and government.

Costs will include insured losses of up to £1.5bn - the estimated cost of claims to be made by insured homeowners and businesses.

Meanwhile, the cost of under insurance was likely to be £1bn. The limits on many insurance policies mean they are inadequate for covering the full loss. This is driven in part by homeowners still feeling the effects of the recession and reducing insurance premium spend and coverage.

In addition, given the post-Christmas timing, homeowners will have indirectly increased their contents values with presents and food, and while several policies provide for such an uplift, many do not.

Recovery operation: Two residents began to remove flooded possessions and drenched carpet from a property in York city centre today

The clean-up begins: Residents and business owners were today beginning to start the huge clear-out of their flooded properties in York

Storm damage: Bundles of newspapers were among the victims of the flooding at a warehouse in York after the rivers Ouse and Foss burst

Helping each other: Two women were among those to help local businesses repair themselves from the floods in Tadcaster, Yorkshire

From me to you: Two men help lift a white good from a business in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, as the clean-up operations continue

Rallying around: The community of Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, came together to help businesses and residents recover from the floods

Recovery: People help clean up Jo Walton upholsterers in Fossgate, York, following the recent flooding which has devastated the city

All hands on deck: Workers all helped to clear the Jo Walton upholsterers in Fossgate, York, today after the floodwater began to recede

YOUNG COUPLE USE ORNAMENT BOAT TO HELP RESCUE NEIGHBOURS STRANDED BY BOXING DAY FLOODS A young couple turned rescuers by using a neighbour's battered garden ornament boat - to rescue terrified people trapped in the Boxing Day floods. Caroline Murphy, 23, and partner Peter Seddon, 22, were desperate to help when freak heavy downpours caused the nearby Briars Brook in Burscough, near Ormskirk, Lancashire, to burst its banks. The couple donned their waterproofs and waded to a meeting point where they asked if there were any elderly people who needed rescuing. They were told of an 83 year-old called 'Barbara' who was trapped by floodwater and set off towards her home to help rescue her. Caroline Murphy, 23, and partner Peter Seddon, 22 (together left), were desperate to help when freak heavy downpours caused the nearby Briars Brook in Burscough, near Ormskirk, Lancashire, to burst its banks and used an ornament boat (right) to help rescue the elderly When they arrived at her home, they spotted an old dinghy boat used as a garden feature by her neighbour - and used it to row her to safety. Medical industry worker Caroline said: 'The emergency services were inundated, so we wanted to see if we could assist anyone in any way. 'Where Barbara lives is at the bottom of a hill, and so the water was really deep up to her front door. When I approached the house it was up to my hips. 'I got her attention through the window and she told me to go around to the back door, which I did, but then we needed a way to get her out of the house and to safety. 'We had a quick search nearby and, as luck would have it, there was a large plastic boat in her next-door neighbour's garden!' The couple used the boat to rescue Barbara and her son Martin, before taking them to the nearby Briars Hall Hotel - which had been transformed into a local rescue centre. The hotel has taken in many local people whose homes had been damaged or were not deemed safe, and gave them food and hot drinks, with some people also staying there overnight. The couple went on to make several more trips using the blue and white plastic boat to pluck more people to safety. Advertisement

Battering the coasts: Huge waves lashed the coast of Harrington in West Cumbria this afternoon as Storm Frank approached Britain

Stormy: High tide at Harrington in West Cumbria brought large waves as forecasters warned of 80mph winds and six inches of rain tonight

Be aware: South Pier at Harrington Harbour in West Cumbria was closed to members of the public today as huge waves lashed the seafront

Elsewhere in the country: While much of the north remained besieged by floodwater, there was sunshine galore in Windsor, Berkshire

The great walk: Members of the public enjoyed sunshine as they made their way along the grounds to Windsor Casle in Berkshire today

Getting out and about: Walkers enjoyed some fresh air as they took in the picturesque scenes in Windsor, Berkshire, this afternoon

Uninsured face £1BILLION bill as total costs of floods hits £5.8billion: Exactly what we're giving to fight global warming overseas

Uninsured residents who have seen their properties deluged with floodwater in the latest wave of devastation to hit the north face losses exceeding £1billion, it has emerged.

Experts said high insurance costs due to previous flooding disasters had meant some homeowners and business owners were unable to purchase sufficient cover before the latest wave of flooding hit.

New estimates suggest that the cost of this month's disaster in Cumbria, Yorkshire and Lancashire could be up to £5.8billion.

That is the exact amount Britain recently committed to spend helping poorer countries tackle climate change over the next five years.

Justin Balcombe, KPMG'S UK head of general insurance management consulting, said: 'The scale of the flooding over the last few weeks has seen communities across large sections of northern England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland severely impacted.

'In 2007 when a similar pattern of flooding hit, total insured claims were £3.2bn, however, we consider that the actual financial impact far exceeded this. We are assessing this month's events through a number of economic lenses, resulting in an initial total cost estimate of £5-£5.8bn.'

Visit: Mr Cameron visits a local council depot as local volunteers and the British Army fill sandbags to stem flood water in York city centre

This broke down into costs to different sectors such as the insurance sector, businesses, individuals, communities and government.

Costs will include insured losses of up to £1.5bn - the estimated cost of claims to be made by insured homeowners and businesses.

WHY DON'T WE GET EU CASH? MPs last night demanded to know why the Government has not applied for disaster relief from an EU fund. The European Union Solidarity Fund helps member states cope with natural disasters. The UK paid in £35.6million to the scheme this year. Under EU rules, a country has ten weeks from the first damage caused by a natural disaster to make an application for aid. Last summer it paid out £60million to help the recovery effort following floods in Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria in which 60 people died. Britain has only ever made one claim – after the summer floods of 2007 – and we were awarded £130million. Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said: 'We pay all this money into the Solidarity Fund, as the second largest net contributor, and everyone else applies for it. If there is funding available to alleviate the impact of the flood we should use it.' Advertisement

Meanwhile, the cost of under insurance was likely to be £1bn. The limits on many insurance policies mean they are inadequate for covering the full loss.

This is driven in part by homeowners still feeling the effects of the recession and reducing insurance premium spend and coverage.

Despite warnings over further episodes of severe flooding, some 10,000 homes are being built on the nation's floodplains each year, according to new research.

It comes as flood victims demanded that some of Britain's £12billion foreign aid budget is used to help them after a catastrophic few weeks.

Former environment secretary Owen Paterson also called for the needs of British flood victims to be put first.

'Where there is money set aside to help flood victims around the world it should now be diverted to help people suffering in the UK,' he said.

Actor Michael Sheen provoked backlash after criticising those calling for foreign aid cash to be used to help flood victims.

But Mr Paterson, who served as environment secretary until last year, said the Government's focus on foreign aid showed the wrong sense of priorities. 'It must be a priority to spend British taxpayers' money on British citizens who are suffering,' he said.

'I know some people say it is not a binary choice – that we can spend money on both. But it is a binary choice – you can either spend £1 building flood defences to help people abroad or you spend it to protect citizens in this country.'

Labour MP Simon Danczuk, whose Rochdale constituency has been badly affected by flooding, also questioned the Government's refusal to touch the aid budget.

'Why do we spend money in Bangladesh when it needs spending in Great Britain?' he said. 'What we need to do is to sort out the problems which are occurring here and not focus so much on developing countries.

'That has to be our priority. We need to put that right as soon as possible.'

Ukip leader Nigel Farage also said it was time to consider 'diverting some of the huge foreign aid budget to help those in need here in the UK'.

Explaining: Mr Cameron was seen chatting and gesturing as he spoke with members of the flood-hit community in York earlier today

'We will do whatever is needed': The Prime Minister, pictured visiting troops helping the flood victims, vowed to review flood defences

The calls for foreign aid to be diverted come just weeks after ministers agreed to increase aid to help developing countries tackle climate change by 50 per cent.

This will soar to £5.8billion over the next five years as part of the deal struck at climate change talks in Paris earlier this month. The increase comes despite warnings that officials are already struggling to spend the money wisely following big increases in previous years.

The figure equates to the estimate given last night by accountants KPMG for the total repair bill from the storms that have devastated much of northern England.

Some of the overseas projects already funded by UK taxpayers have proved controversial.

In February 2014, £27million was spent raising awareness of climate change in China – which is building two coal-fired power stations a week.

Projects to help the thousands of victims of severe flooding in Pakistan and Bangladesh have been hit by complaints of poor administration and governance.

Around £200million has been pledged to Jamaica and other Caribbean islands to upgrade their roads and bridges to cope with flooding and build sea and river defences.

The Prime Minister was greeted with chants of 'stop the cuts' from some flood victims in York yesterday and was forced to deny accusations that northern communities have lost out to the south over funding for flood defences.

However, it emerged that Yorkshire's regional flood committee warned earlier this year that funding cuts were having an impact on the county's defences. Labour claimed ministers had ignored the warnings.

Minutes from a meeting in October reveal that committee chairman Professor Colin Mellors warned that funding for maintenance of some flood defences might have to be 'discontinued' due to 'ever tighter budgets'.

Mr Cameron defended the Government's record on flooding. He said the £2.3billion earmarked for flood defences by 2020 was more than the amount over the previous five years.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said last night: 'This Government is, and always has been, committed to building and improving flood defences. Our record £2.3billion investment in flood defences will help our most at-risk communities, with £280million funding available for Yorkshire and £33million for Leeds.'

A new dawn, a new day: Floodwaters have finally started to recede in flood-hit York but murky scenes still cover residential streets

Underwater: Streetlights illuminate the eerie scene in York as the record floodwaters start to recede - although further rainfall is on the way

Another day: As residents enter their fourth day of flooding in York, Met Office forecasters have warned Storm Frank is about to hit the UK

Aftermath: Homeowners may be able to return for the first time today and begin the year-long process of drying out their properties