UK weather: More flood warnings ahead of colder spell

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Rescue workers use a boat to navigate the floodwater in the centre of York after the River Ouse burst its banks.Image source, PA Media
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Flooding in the centre of York has forced rescue workers to navigate parts of the city in boats

People across the UK are facing more rain, flooding and cold weather in the coming days.

The Environment Agency has issued 119 flood warnings, external - mainly in west and south-west England and Yorkshire - as well as 193 flood alerts.

The bad weather has already damaged hundreds of homes and left many without power.

An alert for severe cold weather has also been issued for England from Sunday evening, as temperatures drop.

It will remain in place across much of the UK until Thursday morning, with the warning the cold could increase health risks for vulnerable people and disrupt some services.

Yellow Met Office warnings for rain, wind and ice are in place across parts of northern England, Northern Ireland, and most of Scotland.

BBC Weather's Matt Taylor said while the persistent rain would ease away on Saturday, the weather was going to turn "much colder" in the days ahead.

The Environment Agency said conditions in the West Midlands will worse before improving - the River Severn is expected to peak in Bewdley, Worcestershire, on Saturday night and Worcester on Sunday.

Image source, Ross Jones of SY View
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River levels have been high at Atcham Bridge in Shropshire

Several football matches have been cancelled across Devon and Cornwall because of severe weather conditions.

In Somerset, Keynsham Town's Crown Field has been shut, along with other sports venues across the county, and the football club said water levels at the ground were the worst since Christmas 2013.

Bath's rugby game against Toulon was postponed and moved to Kingsholm stadium in Gloucester, after The Rec failed a safety inspection.

Image source, PA Media
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This is the scene around Tewkesbury Abbey in Gloucestershire where flood waters have crept close

Image source, PA Media
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Road users have also been affected in Apperley, Gloucestershire, where the River Severn burst its banks

Natural Resources Wales has issued dozens of flood alerts around Wales, and seven flood warnings concentrated in the south.

The bad weather has caused travel disruption across much of Wales. The River Ely has burst its banks, causing flood to many areas, including a golf driving range near Cowbridge, west of Cardiff.

"If we had more rain... I think we'd have been underwater," manager and pro golfer Aled Griffiths told BBC Radio Wales.

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There is flooding across Wales following stormy conditions

Flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected - include those for groundwater flooding, along with areas close to rivers like the Avon and Wye.

Some flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible - are also in place further north, including in Keswick in the Lake District, and areas of Yorkshire.

Image source, PA Media
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This is the panoramic view where the River Parrett has flooded field in Somerset

Image source, PA Media
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Drivers in the Dumfries area have been having to cope with challenging conditions

There are also one flood warning, external in place in Scotland for Callander and Ayr to Troon, and seven flood alerts across the country.

Forecasters are warning that bus and train services will probably be affected, while spray and flooding on roads is set to make journey times longer.

The Met Office warned there was a 70% chance of severely cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow from 18:00 GMT Sunday until 09:00 Thursday.

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