Severe flood warnings have been issued as "exceptional" weather is forecast for parts of England and Wales.
The UK Environment Agency has put 19 of the most serious warnings in place, most of which are in south-west England, with parts of Gloucestershire and north Wales also set to be hit by storms.
Heavy rain and winds gusting up to 95km/h were due to hit western areas on Friday, prompting fears of disruption.
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, who chaired a meeting of the government's Cobra emergencies committee, said "exceptional" weather was expected and warned energy network companies to be prepared, after complaints that it took too long to restore electricity to the thousands of homes left without power after severe weather over Christmas.
As well as the severe warnings, issued when there is a threat to life or property, there are 186 flood warnings and 234 flood alerts across the country. In London, the Thames Barrier was closed to protect people and property along the river.
The Environment Agency said strong winds, combining with high tides and large waves, are set to hit coastal communities.
The storms have already claimed at least two lives. The body of a 27-year-old man, from Surrey was found on Porthleven Sands beach in Cornwall this morning. He had been swept out to sea on New Year's Eve night having gone for a paddle with friends at nearby Loe Bar.
In a second tragedy on Tuesday, a woman died after being swept out to sea at the popular beauty spot Croyde Bay in north Devon. The woman, who was believed to be on holiday with her family, was rescued from the sea and airlifted to hospital before being confirmed dead by doctors.
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