UK weather: Storm Jonas to bring severe wind and more flooding to Britain

Storm Jonas has killed at least 25 in the US and brought New York City and Washington DC to a standstill

Hundreds of people in York were evacuated after river levels reached record highs (PA)

Storm Jonas is coming to the UK, bringing storm force winds, heavy rainfall and further flooding misery.

The storm has already battered the east coast of the US, leaving New York City and Washington DC at a complete standstill due to the heavy snowfall, and has caused the deaths of at least 25 people.

Flood-hit communities left devastated by Storm Desmond now risk being affected a second time as areas across north-west England and Scotland could see rainfall of more than 150mm – almost as much as in December, according to the Met Office.

Torrential rain and heavy winds are expected on Tuesday morning as the weather system brought by Storm Jonas hits the UK. The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning covering most of Wales, north-west England and West Scotland.

Lancashire, Cumbria and Yorkshire were some of the worst affected areas during Storm Desmond, and are all covered by the fresh weather warnings.

Severe gales and storm force winds are expected in exposed coastal areas on Tuesday morning bringing gusts of up to 75 mph, while exposed areas of Scotland could see winds of over 80 mph.

"We are in for some heavy rain and strong winds,” a Met Office spokesperson said.

"The amounts of rainfall could be pretty high, there is potential for 50 to 100mm, which is four inches.

"Across northwest England and Scotland there could be upwards of 150mm, almost rivalling what we saw in December.

"These are quite wet areas and they are susceptible to flooding."

The worst of the rain will clear by Wednesday, the Met Office said, but further rain is expected later on Thursday and into Friday, with further weather warnings likely to be issued due to the heavy totals of rainfall.

Storm Desmond devastated communities in the north of England, where thousands of people had to be evacuated from their homes due to the flooding, while businesses were left ruined.

The Environment Agency said it is monitoring river levels and has warned residents to "be prepared for the possibility of flooding".

"We will monitor rainfall closely and urge communities to be vigilant," a spokesman said.

"With heavy rainfall predicted in those areas there is obviously a risk of flooding.

"We will have crews out in the next couple of days and if the river levels rise then we could issue warnings."

Additional reporting by PA