Thirteen flood alerts after storms hit the South-west

Flash floods spread across Wales and the South-west yesterday, with forecasters predicting strong winds and torrential rain for the next 48 hours.

Some towns were battered by more than two thirds of their average monthly rainfall in 24 hours. The Environment Agency issued 13 flood alerts, 12 in southern England and one in Wales.

Forecasters predicted heavy rain and force seven winds would hit southern and central England today, with 20mm of rain expected to fall in London. An Environment Agency spokesman said: "It's just the first taste of bad weather as we enter the autumn-winter period."

Motorists have been warned by the AA to be prepared for the bad weather and to adjust their speed for the next two days.