People across south-west England are being warned of the risk of significant flooding as more heavy rain sweeps in.
Around 100 homes and businesses have already been flooded and commuters have suffered major disruption in the South West following downpours, flooding and high winds. People are also being evacuated from Billingsworth Aquadrome campsite in Northamptonshire amid warnings of significant disruption from river flooding.
The Met Office has said some areas could see up to 60mm (5ins) of rain falling on already saturated ground, which could lead to further river and surface water flooding. Much of the UK is also facing winds of up to 50-60mph, and even gusts of up to 70mph in exposed western areas, which could worsen surface water flooding as drains are blocked by wind-blown leaves and debris.
There are currently 76 flood warnings for rivers and more than 150 less serious flood alerts in place across England and Wales, with the majority of areas at risk in south-west England and the Midlands.
The Environment Agency urged people in affected areas, including Devon, Dorset, Bristol, Torbay, Plymouth, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, to keep up to date with the latest warnings. People were also being urged to stay away from swollen rivers and to avoid driving through flood waters.
John Curtin, head of incident management at the Environment Agency, said: "We strongly urge people to sign up for flood warnings on the Environment Agency website, keep a close eye on local weather forecasts and be prepared for flooding.
"We also ask that people stay safe, by staying away from swollen rivers and not attempting to drive through floodwater. Environment Agency teams have been mobilised across the country to check on flood defences, clear river blockages and monitor river levels."
More wet weather is forecast across the country on Saturday and Sunday, with the possibility of further significant disruption as a result of flooding.
On Thursday morning, passengers at Exeter St Davids station faced disruption as trains to Yeovil Junction were cancelled while replacement buses to Taunton extended journey times by up to two hours. There were delays of up to 90 minutes between Swindon and Bristol Parkway after trains were diverted due to flooding.
Some services from London Paddington to south-west stations were cancelled while flooding caused disruption in Totnes, Tiverton Parkway, Weston-super-Mare and Westbury areas. CrossCountry trains cancelled its service between Plymouth and Bristol. Replacement buses were being run between Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton via Weston-super-Mare.
