Britain braced for floods: Heavy rain and high winds force Environmental Agency to issue over 150 flood alerts

Flooding comes as gusts of up to 85mph ravage the country

A fresh blast of wet weather is set to sweep the country, forcing the Environmental Agency to issue over 150 flood alerts.

The rain will be heaviest in western England, although parts of Scotland will also experience blustery showers and possibly even snow.

By 8am this morning, the Environmental Agency had issued 36 flood warnings and 153 flood alerts, with the majority posted in the Midlands and the North West.

The flooding comes as gusts of up to 85mph ravage the country and the remaining snow from last week’s heavy downfalls begins to melt.

There are concerns that as the Big Thaw intensifies, the excess water will flow into already swollen rivers that are at risking of breaking their banks.

The wet weather is set to continue into tomorrow, with showers from Scotland moving into northern England, sending temperatures plummeting.

Saturday will be bright and breezy in most parts, with widespread dry areas except in north east England and south east Scotland.