Storm Frank to bring more heavy rain and winds to stricken areas of Britain

The Met Office has issued amber and yellow warnings for heavy rain and wind for various parts of Northern England, Scotland and Wales

Satellite image shows Storm Frank approaching Britain (Nasa)

Areas already suffering after severe flooding are set for more misery as Storm Frank hits the UK, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for today covering large parts of Scotland, North West England and Wales.

For Wednesday, Cumbria and Central Scotland have been issued amber warnings for heavy rain which are expected to exacerbate current flooding conditions.

Gusts of 55-65mph are predicted across the next few days in western parts of UK with exposed areas experiencing winds of up to 70-80mph.

Will Lang, the Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said: "We expect stormy conditions to return midweek, and have already issued National Severe Weather Warnings for gales on Tuesday and heavy rain on Wednesday, as a rapidly deepening area of low pressure, Storm Frank, passes to the northwest of the UK.

"Everyone should be aware of the potential for disruption in places from further flooding and the impacts of the gales to transport, especially in areas such as southern and central Scotland and Cumbria where Amber 'be prepared' warnings are in place.

Analysts have estimated the flooding in Northern England could cost over £1.5 billion. In Leeds alone - 2,000 homes and 400 businesses have been damaged.

While David Cameron visited some of the most heavily affected areas in Yorkshire, the Prime Minister was heckled by residents for cuts to public services. Mr Cameron has denied that any cuts have been made to spending for flood defences.

The Chief Executive of the Environmentet Agency (EA), Sir Philip Dilley, has also come under fire for allegedly choosing to holiday in Barbados rather than visit the affected areas and help the response effort.

EA released a statement saying: “The chief executive leads the Environment Agency on a day-to-day basis.

“He is in charge of the agency’s response to the flooding crisis; has visited the flood-hit areas twice (Cumbria, 6-7 Dec; Yorkshire and Lancashire 26-27 Dec); and is attending Cobra meetings.”