No end in sight for UK floods as a huge storm brings more heavy rain (PHOTOS)

Tens of thousands of homes in Britain lost power on Wednesday after a huge storm packing wind speeds of more than 100 miles per hour slammed into the west coast, bringing down power lines and disrupting transport services.

The Met Office issued a rare “red warning,” which means there is a "risk to life," with forecasters expecting heavy rain, powerful winds and snow across Britain.

"We’re advising people to batten down the hatches," Laura Young, a spokeswoman for the Met Office, told The Independent.

"The best things people can do are to avoid the coast, not travel, tie things down in the garden, and stay indoors."

More from GlobalPost: UK floods go from bad to worse as Thames River bursts its banks (PHOTOS)

The latest storm couldn’t come at a worse time for the waterlogged country. There were already 16 severe flood warnings in place across southern England after the River Thames burst its banks earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, vast swathes of the country remained under water and entire villages have been cut off for weeks.

More from GlobalPost: 5 things you need to know about the UK floods

In response to a wave of criticism over its handling of the escalating disaster, the UK government on Wednesday pledged financial relief to the thousands of victims whose properties have been inundated. 

Prime Minister David Cameron promised flood protection grants of up to 5,000 pounds (US $8,300) for homeowners and businesses whose premises have been flooded.

He also announced 10 million pounds ($16.5 million) worth of support for waterlogged farms. 

Soldiers have also been deployed to flood-stricken communities to help battle against rising floodwaters — although residents complain their help is too little, too late.