Storms batter the south coast – in pictures

Railway workers inspect the main Exeter-to-Plymouth railway line left “suspended in mid air” in Dawlish, Devon, by the storms. Part of the line was swept to sea and may take several weeks to repair. Heavy rain and gale-force winds continued to batter the south of Britain today, leaving many areas at risk of further flooding.

A huge wave hits Newhaven Lighthouse in East Sussex during stormy weather on the south coast of England.

Part of a road is washed away by the sea in Dawlish. Flood-hit homes in Devon and Somerset were evacuated amid 90mph winds last night. David Cameron has announced an extra £100m to help with the flooding clear-up operation.

A large section of Brighton's dilapidated West Pier is washed away in the storm.

A man takes a photograph of beach huts destroyed in the storms in Dawlish. Up to 40mm of rain is predicted to fall on the south coast today.

Waves crash against the seafront in Dawlish, Devon.