UK weather: Flooding alert issued as stormy weather hits Britain

Wind gusts of up to 65mph could hit coastal areas, forecasters warn

Householders in the South-west have been warned against the effects of heavy downpours (Stringer UK / Reuters)

Weather forecasters are warning of potential flooding tomorrow as the UK is hit by heavy rain and gale-force winds.

The Met Office has issued a yellow alert for rain in Southwest and Southeast England, along with cautions for possible floods for homes and businesses.

Gales will develop overnight, with Northern Ireland expecting heavy rain early on Tuesday, while Wales will be battered by heavy showers, forecasters said.

Heavy rain is expected between 5am and 9pm across much of the West, South and parts of mid-Wales, with gusts of up to 65mph expected along the Welsh coast.

The winds and rain are being brought in by a large area of low pressure, but as they are coming from the south, it will remain mild, said meteorologist Steven Keates.

The worst of the weather is expected to have cleared by mid-afternoon but further east the worst conditions are likely to be during the afternoon and early evening.

The Met Office website said: “A brief spell of wet and windy weather is expected early Tuesday, especially in the east during the morning rush hour.

"The highest rainfall totals will be over western and southern parts where 15-30mm rain is likely, amounts elsewhere much smaller.

"The windiest weather, meanwhile, will be in the far East and Southeast during the morning rush hour."

Natural Resources Wales has also issued 16 low-risk flood warnings in the West, South and mid-Wales.