Storm Frank live: 10 people airlifted by Royal Navy helicopter from bus stuck in floods - latest updates

Northern Ireland experienced disruption overnight and more flooding is expected in England and Scotland today

A view of the Ulls Water in Glenridding, Ullswater, Cumbria, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. (PA)

Storm Frank is hitting the UK, bringing more gales, torrential rain and flooding over northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Here are the latest updates:

• The head of the Environment Agency is due to visit flood victims after returning from his Christmas holiday in Barbados
• Looters have been targeting flood victims’ homes in York
• Bikers protect Yorkshire homes from looting
• Families feel they were 'sacrificed' by authorities
• More flooding and damage is expected
• Storm Frank is heating the North Pole up
• Syrian refugees are among volunteers building defences
• Soldiers evacuated residents in Tadcaster as a bridge over the raging River Wharfe collapsed
• Around 150 flood warnings and alerts are in place
• The storm could affect New Year's Eve travel

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The latest storm to sweep the country caused widespread disruption in Northern Ireland overnight, with more than 2,000 homes affected by power cuts and flights from Belfast Airport temporarily stopped in high winds.

Torrential rain and gales was more misery on flood-ravaged homeowners in northern England today, where areas are still struggling to recover from two previous storms - Desmond and Eve.

In York, police have condemned thieves who looted homes evacuated by flood victims.

North Yorkshire Police's 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."

The EA had earlier warned of the potential for further significant flooding, especially in Cumbria, while floods minister Rory Stewart said a potentially ”very bad situation“ lay ahead.

In many areas the ground is still saturated from previous downpours and river levels remain at record highs.

Scotland was also bracing itself with Met Office amber ”be prepared“ warnings issued for today in all mainland regions outside the Highlands.