Following heavy rainfall over areas of the UK since Sunday night, the Environment Agency has issued a number of flood warnings. The wet conditions look likely to persist this week, with more severe weather predicted for Tuesday.

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There are currently 70 flood warnings (indicating that flooding is imminent) in effect across the UK, according to the Environment Agency. Most of the warnings are in effect in the North East (46), where flooding has led to houses being evacuated and train services being disrupted. North Yorkshire, Northumberland and County Durham are worst affected.

Following a night and day of heavy rain on Sunday evening into Monday, the Met Office has warned that the worst affected parts of Britain could see 100mm rain, more than an entire month’s worth, falling in just 24 hours on Tuesday (25th September). Most parts of the UK receive between 50 and 75mm rain in an average September.

In addition to the many flood warnings in effect there are over 150 flood alerts, suggesting flooding is possible across the North of England and the Midlands. The heavy rainfall this month follows Britain’s wettest spring and second wettest summer on record.

The Environment Agency has advised people across the UK to be aware of the weather warnings, prepare for potential floods and pay attention to weather reports. Some areas of the UK have been affected by strong winds as well as the heavy rainfall.

An agency spokesperson said, "We are already seeing travel disruption due to the wet weather and could well see flooding across the country this week. We strongly urge people to sign up to flood warnings, keep a close eye on local weather forecasts and be prepared for the possibility of flooding. We also ask that people stay safe by staying away from swollen rivers and not attempting to drive through floodwater."

The warnings come after emergency services in the North East revealed several people have had to be rescued from vehicles since Sunday evening.

The Met Office warned on Tuesday morning that “Further periods of heavy rain are likely to occur across parts of northern England and north and west Wales during much of Tuesday” and advised, “The public should be prepared for a continued risk of both surface water and river flooding during this period.”

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