Rain-battered Britain is bracing itself for more flooding chaos after forecasters predicted worsening weather conditions across the country.
It will compound misery for those in areas already suffering from severe floods following the downpours earlier this week, which forced hundreds to evacuate their homes and killed a driver.
Up to 40mm of rain is expected to fall in some areas by tomorrow morning, with winds measuring 70mph on the south coast and 60mph as far inland as London and the East Midlands.
Some 44 flood warnings and 153 flood alerts are in place, with more likely to be issued throughout the weekend, the Environment Agency (EA) said.
The Met Office said heavy rain and strong winds were forecast across all parts of the country, with the heaviest and most persistent downpours in western England and parts of Wales.
River flooding is likely with the possibility of significant disruption, particularly across Devon, North Somerset, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Wales, the EA said.
Nearly 400 properties have been flooded since Tuesday, while 9,000 homeowners have been told they are at risk of flooding, it added.
An EA statement said: “Strong winds will also increase the risk of flash flooding as drainage channels are likely to become blocked with wind-blown debris.
“The rain will spread north and east, increasing flood risk in north east and north west England on Sunday. The picture remains unsettled for the start of next week.”
Emergency teams have been working through the night and this morning to shore up defences, deploy temporary barriers, monitor river levels, clear blockages from watercourses and pump out flood water from towns.
EA flood defences have protected 21,800 properties across England and Wales, including in Cheltenham, Teignmouth and Weston-Super-Mare.
PA