Flood Alert As Heavy Rain Sweeps The Country

Britain is braced for another day of deluges and flooding as heavy rain sweeps across the country.

Homes were flooded and roads left underwater on Wednesday as downpours caused widespread disruption, and forecasters warn more misery is on its way.

Vehicles were abandoned and there were reports of entire villages being cut off as floodwater surged through lanes and streets and into homes.

The South West and Wales are expected to bear the brunt of the weather as a low pressure system moves eastwards across the country, bringing gusts of up to 70mph and extremely heavy rain.

The Met Office warned that some areas could see up to 60mm (5ins) of rain falling on already saturated ground, leading to further risk of rivers flooding.

Strong winds could yet worsen conditions, particularly surface water flooding, as leaves and debris block drains and channels.

Flood waters surrounding a cottage close to the village of North Curry

More than 80 flood warnings are in place - 50 alone in the South West and 22 across the Midlands - and there are a further 138 less serious flood alerts, the Environment Agency said.

Agency teams are on the ground across the country clearing watercourses of debris and monitoring river levels, and will be out in force over the coming days.

Pete Fox, the Environment Agency's head of flood risk strategy, said: "There is already significant travel disruption due to the wet weather and we would urge people to remain vigilant as further flooding is possible across the South West."

Sky News weather presenter Sarah Pennock said: "Expect difficult driving conditions across western Britain this morning with plenty of surface water on the roads. Gusty winds will cause broken branches and possible disruption."

Cars make their way through floods in the village of Norton near Worcester

While Thursday is expected to be a washout, Friday should be bright and breezy, with sunny spells and scattered showers in the west, before further rain pushes into central southern Britain on Saturday.

There could be snow across the Scottish hills overnight.

The weather caused major problems on the roads yesterday, with the AA attending more than 8,000 breakdowns - 37% more than normal - and 500 floodwater-related callouts by 4pm.

Roads were reported as being impassable around the M5 corridor and in Worcestershire and south Birmingham, and standing water on roads created difficulties for motorists.

Dozens of schools were closed, including 12 in Devon and 17 in Somerset, two of the worst-hit counties, and businesses including pubs and restaurants forced to turn away customers following the floods.

Emergency services in Somerset were also called to a flooded property to help rescue a woman who had gone into labour and needed to get to hospital.

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