In pictures: New Year's Day deluge

Racegoers at Cheltenham Racecourse

Racegoers brave the elements at Cheltenham Racecourse. The Environment Agency has said there are 46 flood warnings in England and Wales, 26 of which are in the south west of England.

A member of the Big Blue Ramsey High School Band smiles as she walks though a puddle during the annual New Year's Day parade in London. Thousands of people were expected at the event, despite heavy rain.

Miniature steam engines and their drivers make their way down Piccadilly during the annual New Year's Day parade in London. The Metropolitan Police said forecasts of wind and rain had not deterred revellers from filling up the viewing area in record time.

Spectators brave the weather to watch competitors jump 30ft off of Mapleton Bridge into the River Dove, Derbyshire. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings of rain across widespread areas of the UK.

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart looks on during a downpour during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester City at Liberty Stadium. A Met Office 'be aware' warning of rain is in place for much of south Wales.

Swansea City played on against Manchester City, despite the rain. Heavy rain and strong winds are disrupting road and rail travel in south and west Wales, with warnings of more storms to come.

Flooding is affecting the village of Feniton, which was badly hit in 2010 and again in 2012. Six people, including a baby, have been rescued from flood water in three separate incidents in Devon.

The River Dart in Devon is swollen by heavy rain. About 40mm (2in) of rain is expected in some areas, with severe south or south-westerly gales gusting up to 60mph.

Kenn, near Exeter, under water. The Met Office said that with ground already saturated, the public should be aware of the risk of further localised flooding.

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