UK weather warnings in force as rain replaces snow

The RAC says avoid driving through deep water or risk "a very expensive repair bill near to Christmas"

Weather warnings have been issued across the UK as forecasters said some areas were at risk of flooding.

There are 47 flood warnings in place across large parts of England, with the Met Office predicting some areas could see up to 80mm of rainfall.

The forecaster said rain has been falling on ground that was already sodden, with melting snow also increasing the risk of flooding.

It has warned that travel by road and rail is likely to be disrupted.

• The best way to de-ice a car and other winter tips

"We have issued a number of severe weather warnings for rain across the UK," said Neil Armstrong, chief forecaster at the Met Office.

"As much as 80mm of rain could fall in some areas of the west, particularly higher ground."

In eastern Scotland, higher ground could even see up to 100mm of rain, he added.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for rain in south-west England, the Midlands and parts of Scotland until Thursday evening.

The warning for the area around Dundee and Aberdeen runs until midnight, with a warning around Portsmouth running until 22:00 GMT on Thursday.

It said areas of low pressure will bring wet and windy conditions, displacing the cold weather that has seen frosts, snow and ice in some regions.

A second low pressure will see further weather fronts during Friday and Saturday morning.

There will then be a "brief calmer spell" in the southern half of the UK as a ridge of higher pressure moves in through Saturday afternoon, though showery rain will continue in the north, the Met Office said.

Heads down, brollies up, in this blustery scene in London

The RAC motoring group has urged drivers to be on their guard for flooded roads.

"Anyone tempted to drive through water that is too deep for their vehicle is risking their safety and a very expensive repair bill near to Christmas or, worse still, the prospect of an insurance write-off," spokesman Simon Williams said.

"The best advice is to turn around and go another way if there's any doubt about the water's depth."