UK weather: Motorists rescued from flooded roads as heavy rain brings travel disruption

More than 100 flood warnings issued across country from Cornwall to North Yorkshire

Stranded motorists had to be rescued by emergency services across the UK after heavy rain left roads and railways flooded.

Firefighters and police in several counties warned drivers not to travel after being called out to a series of trapped vehicles throughout Saturday.

The torrential downpour saw up to 60mm of rain fall over much of the midlands and northern England over a 30-hour period, while the highest total was recorded in Libanus in South Wales with 122mm.

Rising water levels prompted the Environment Agency to issue more than 100 flood warnings by 21.00, asking residents to take “immediate action”.

The Met Office has also warned that floods caused by heavy rain could pose a “danger to life” across Wales and northern England.

Flood barriers were set up in several towns along the River Severn, including Shrewsbury, Bewdley and Hereford.

The River Teme was also described as “extremely high” at Tenbury in Shropshire, with footage showing the water rising almost to the level of a road bridge.

Dozens of photographs were posted on social media showing flooded roads across the midlands.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said they had been called out to help several motorists whose vehicles became stuck in floods.

Three people had to be rescued from a car stuck in floodwater in Droitwich, Worcestershire, and a mother and child were recovered from a car trapped in flood water near Montgomery in Powys.

In Cornwall, firefighters were called to a property in Warbstow Cross after a river burst its banks and flooded two rooms with 150mm of water.

Flooding also forced the closure of all railway lines through Stoke-on-Trent and caused delays to other services on the West Coast main line and between Crewe, Shrewsbury and Wales.

Six football matches were postponed due to waterlogged pitches, including the Championship game between Nottingham Forest and Reading.

The rain was expected to clear overnight, with much of the country experiencing long sunny spells throughout Sunday.

Additional reporting by agencies