RAIN and wind return to the region this evening as the Environment Agency warn people to be prepared for more flooding.

Gales with gusts of 60mph are expected with gusts of 70mph or 80mph likely on high ground and coastal areas.

The Environment Agency has issued 5 flood alerts and 30 flood warnings across the South West and are urging people to take care.

Earlier this week, stormy weather caused chaos across the country, leaving many people stranded due to cancelled trains and flights.

Homes were evacuated in Dorset and many were left without power on Christmas Day.

On Monday evening, passengers from London Paddington were stranded at Taunton train station over night due to the bad weather.

Met Office chief forecaster Eddy Carroll, said: "Another Atlantic depression is expected to bring a further spell of wet and windy weather to the UK Thursday night and on Friday.

"Generally this is not expected to bring as severe conditions as the recent storms, although rain falling on to saturated ground brings the risk of further flooding.

"Throughout this spell of unsettled weather everyone is advised to stay up to date with the latest Met Office forecasts and National Severe Weather Warnings and find out what to do in severe weather so they can plan ahead and be prepared for the weather in store."