Storm Abigail: Flood warning issued for northern England and rivers near bursting point

Heavy rain is expected to fall in northern England over the weekend

Northern towns are most at risk of 'significant river flooding' say the Environment Agency (PA)

Parts of northern England have been warned over significant river flooding this weekend as heavy rain is expected to fall on already saturated ground.

The Environment Agency have warned that Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and North and West Yorkshire are the areas most at risk from significant river and localised surface water flooding on Saturday evening and into Sunday.

The flood risk comes as heavy, persistent rain is set to affect parts of northern England, with a month's rain potentially falling on localised high ground on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, following days of wet and windy weather, the agency said.

Britain's first named storm, Storm Abigail has meant severe weather warnings being issued to various parts of the UK, as heavy rain and strong winds are expected.

Additional reporting by PA