UK weather: Severe flood warnings issued indicating danger to life

The Environment Agency has issued six severe flood warnings for South Cumbria where "river levels are expected to rise very quickly" due to heavy rain.

Staff are currently inspecting and operating flood defences and clearing debris screens as the highest level of alert, which indicates a danger to life, has been issued for the River Kent.

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Around 1,000 homes are at risk in Kendal and 600 in Egremont. Residents have been advised to leave the areas to stay with family or friends.

Successive bands of rain are expected to continue until Monday, causing river levels to rise across the north of England, the Environment Agency said. Further heavy rainfall is expected next week.

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There are 70 flood warnings in force across England and Wales, along with 110 flood alerts.

The Met Office says heavy rain is expected on Sunday afternoon, "easing for a time late afternoon and early evening, before turning heavy again late evening, finally clearing from the west by the early hours of Monday."

It warns that Britons should continue to be prepared for flooding to occur, "the impacts exacerbated by the fact that we have seen heavy rainfall overnight and ground conditions are saturated."

Motorists should be aware of the difficult driving conditions.

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