UK weather: Flood warnings call for ‘immediate action’ after month’s worth of rainfall in 24 hours

Environment Agency has 30 flood warnings and 46 alerts in place across England, mostly in Yorkshire

Flood warnings are in place across the UK after some areas saw a month’s worth of rain in the space of just 24 hours.

Alerts for snow, ice, wind and rain were lifted on Sunday after a spell of bad weather brought a mixture of snow, heavy rainfall and strong gales to the start of the weekend.

But they were replaced by alerts and warnings for floods after the equivalent of a month’s rain fell in one day in some of the worst-hit areas such as Capel Curig in Caernarfonshire, Wales, which saw 136.6mm of rainfall.

By late Sunday morning the Environment Agency had 30 flood warnings in place, meaning immediate action is needed, and 46 alerts in place across England, mostly in Yorkshire.

There were also five flood warnings and 13 flood alerts across Wales.

Flooding across parts of the rail network forced Northern to part-suspend services on several of its routes in Yorkshire and the North West.

Fire engines were having to pump flood water away in order to protect properties in Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden in West Yorkshire on Saturday.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service also tweeted pictures of firefighters rescuing people trapped in vehicles in rising floodwater.

Drivers have been warned not to drive through flooded roads.

As much as 4cm of snow fell on higher ground in Scotland at the start of the weekend, while other northern parts of the UK were hit by wintry showers, including parts of Northumberland.

Strong winds continued to take hold on Saturday, with 73mph gusts recorded in Lake Vyrnwy, Wales.

Meanwhile, in Bewbush, near Crawley, a man had to be treated for a head injury after a large oak tree was blown onto his home.

The flood warnings are expected to remain in place in the coming days, with a five-day forecast showing the flood risk should disappear by Wednesday.

The Environment Agency said: “Persistent heavy rain this weekend means that river levels are high and flooding is expected in some areas.

“Our teams are out on the ground operating flood defences and installing temporary flood barriers to keep communities safe.”

Met Office forecaster Luke Miall said Sunday would be a cold day for most, with temperatures generally sitting around 6C to 8C.

He said: “On Monday, it’s due to be a period of high pressure, with a dry and sunny start and the possibility of some frost.

“Towards the end of the week we may even see temperatures rising, perhaps towards the high teens in some southern areas.”