Focus moves to the South West of England over 80mm of rain forecast tonight (Friday).
The Environment Agency has this afternoon (Friday) warned communities and holidaymakers to remain vigilant and prepared for flooding, as persistent rain continues to affect large swathes of Northern and Central England and Wales, and very heavy rain has begun to affect parts of the South West.
The most significant impacts are expected later this evening (Friday) and into Saturday morning across the South West of England, which has already seen extremely heavy rainfall this afternoon. Northumberland could also see very heavy rain and flooding this evening.
Traffic and transport networks have already been disrupted today, nearly 100 properties have flooded, events have been cancelled across the country and further heavy rainfall is still likely to lead to flooding from surface water – caused when rain overwhelms drainage systems – and from rivers.
The south Pennines and north Midlands, including the areas around Manchester, Sheffield, North Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire also remain at risk of flooding into the weekend.
The Environment Agency encouraged people to check its website, twitter feed and facebook pages and listen to local media for the latest information, sign up for flood warnings and move valuable possessions to safety. It also urged holidaymakers and campsites in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset to keep up to date with the weather forecast and flood risk.
Remain on alert for flooding
Craig Woolhouse, Environment Agency Head of Flood Incident Management, said: 'We would urge people to remain on alert for flooding, especially in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. It has been raining heavily today, and the situation could escalate quite quickly.
'We would encourage everyone to keep up to date with the latest information and flood warnings by checking the Environment Agency website and Twitter feed. When flood warnings are issued, residents in those areas should think about moving valuable possessions to safety. Our Floodline service on 0845 9881188 can also provide advice.
'We would also ask people to remember to stay away from flood water, and do not walk or drive through it, as it is often fast moving and can contain sewage and other debris.'
Currently there are 47 Flood Warnings and 123 Flood Alerts in place, and more than 11,000 properties have received a flood warning today.
The Environment Agency has mobilised teams across the country to operate flood defences, clear any river blockages and closely monitor river levels and issue warnings. The Environment Agency is also advising local authorities and the emergency services to prepare for flooding.
The Environment Agency updates its flood guidance every 15 minutes on its website and you can follow the Environment Agency on Twitter at @EnvAgency.
Met Office weather forecasts and warnings can be found on its website and you can follow the Met Office on Twitter at @metoffice and Facebook.
