Extreme weather batters UK - FT.com Floods have hit areas of the southwest, the Midlands and west of England, cutting off power and stranding drivers, with more heavy rain expected over the weekend. Early on Friday morning there were 88 flood warnings across England and Wales, meaning immediate action is required, and 206 alerts indicating flooding was possible. One man in Bath died in the flooding. Rain falling on already-saturated ground could lead to more river and surface water flooding, and strong winds could worsen the situation by blowing leaves and debris into drains. "Environment Agency teams have been mobilised across the country to check on flood defences, clear river blockages and monitor river levels," said John Curtin, head of incident management at the agency. These teams work around the clock to reduce the risk of flooding, and will be out in force over the coming days. Environment Agency flood defences have protected more than 2,000 properties in the past 24 hours. Mr Curtin added that residents in affected areas should keep up to date with flood warnings and local weather forecasts. The floods follow deluges earlier in the year that insurers estimated cost £500m in June alone. Households have struggled to get flood cover as an agreement between government and insurers heads towards expiration next June. Western Power Distribution said 2,500 customers in the southwest and 500 in Wales were without power after high winds brought down lines. Many train services in the southwest were cancelled or delayed, and large vehicles and motorbikes were banned from using the Tamar bridge connecting Devon and Cornwall. The AA said it had its busiest day for flood-related call-outs in its history on Thursday after receiving 804 requests for help. By noon on Thursday it had attended about 4,600 breakdowns.