Flood risk warnings continue across North

Flooding has closed the A66 near Threlkeld

People across the north of England are being warned to remain vigilant to the risk of flooding, even though overnight rain was not as heavy as expected.

Cumbria and Lancashire were the worst affected counties, with 25 flood warnings in place, although earlier severe warnings have been downgraded.

The Environment Agency reported flooding in six properties in Kendal.

On the other side of the Pennines, there are 64 warnings and alerts across the North East and Yorkshire.

There are also warnings for parts of Wales.

In the Midlands, flood barriers were erected in Shropshire following warnings being put in place for the River Vyrnwy at Melverley and Maesbrook. Levels there are expected to peak overnight.

As well as heavy rain, high winds have been making driving conditions dangerous across England.

In Stockton, three people were taken to hospital after taxi overturned in what police described as "awful driving conditions". None were seriously hurt.

River levels are high in Slaithwaite in the Colne Valley

The Environment Agency said the situation was still highly unpredictable, with rain falling on already-saturated ground, and it warned people in at-risk areas to be vigilant.

In the North East, the rivers most affected are the Tees, Wear, and Tyne, with levels in Corbridge being contained by flood defences which were completed in January.

Across Yorkshire, the rivers Nidd, Aire, Calder and Wharfe are being monitored, with properties in Ilkley and Otley at risk.

There are also warnings for the River Ribble in Lancashire, and the River Roch in Greater Manchester.

Initially, about 1,600 properties in Egremont and Kendal were thought to be at risk of flooding

The Environment Agency has closed flood gates at Yarm and Croft as a precaution

Northern Rail said lines had been blocked at Hedben Bridge due to flooding.

Throughout the north of England a number of roads had suffered from surface flooding, with police urging motorists urged to take care, and not attempt to drive through flood water.

Further rain is expected across Cumbria, other parts of northern England and south-west Scotland

Severe flood warnings - which indicate a danger to life - were in place in Cumbria overnight, with people living in areas of Egremont and Kendal advised to leave and stay with family or friends.

Reception centres opened at Kendal Town Hall and West Lakes Academy in Egremont throughout Saturday night, but Dave Hughes, chairman of Kendal Mountain Rescue, said not everyone had been willing to leave their homes.

"Some people decided to stay at home. You can understand that people may be reluctant to leave their beds," he said.