Floods: Have you been affected by flooding where you live?

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

More than 100 flood warnings are in place across the country, with people across the UK being urged to prepare for more rain, flooding and cold weather in the coming days.

Most of the warnings are for west and southwest England, and Yorkshire.

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

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.

Flooding

England

The Environment Agency said conditions in the West Midlands will worse before improving.

The River Severn has been expected to peak in Bewdley, Worcestershire, on Saturday night and Worcester on Sunday.

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.

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

In Withypool in Somerset a section of an ancient footbridge over the River Barle washed away after heavy rain.

The Environment Agency gave flood warnings - including those for groundwater flooding, as well as for areas close to rivers such as the Avon, Severn and Wye.

What's the difference between and flood warning and a flood alert?

A flood warning means that flooding is expected, so you should take action for example doing things like -

  • Moving vehicles to higher ground if it's safe to do so

  • People moving themselves and pets to safety

  • Move important items upstairs or to a safe place in the property

  • Turning off gas, electricity and water supplies if it's safe to do so; never touch an electrical switch if you're standing in water

  • Putting up property protection products such as flood barriers, or air brick covers, use them now

A flood alert means you need to prepare because flooding is possible.

Some flood warnings and alerts are also in place further north, including in Keswick in the Lake District, Yorkshire.

A yellow weather warning for rain also covers part of the south-west of England and north-west England until midday on Saturday.

Image source, Ross Jones of SY View
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River levels were high on Friday at Atcham Bridge in Shropshire

Wales

Natural Resources Wales has issued seven flood warnings across south and mid Wales, while a Met Office yellow rain warning is in place across much of the country.

The River Ely, Taff and Usk were among those that burst its banks with playgrounds, homes, pubs and entire roads affected by the floodwater.

In some areas - such as Crickhowell - some roads were completely submerged by the rainwater causing travel chaos.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

There are also flood warnings 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 has issued a yellow rain and wind warning for Northern Ireland on Saturday and Sunday.

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

Colder temperatures

BBC Weather's Matt Taylor said the weather was going to turn "much colder" in the days ahead.

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 country until Thursday morning, with the warning the cold could increase health risks for vulnerable people and disrupt some services.

The Met Office warned there was a 70% chance of severely cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow from 6PM on Sunday until 9AM on Thursday.

After a spell of wet and mild weather to start 2023, a brief cold spell will change the feel of our weather across the UK for a few days next week

Helen Caughey, Met Office

Helen Caughey from the Met Office said it will "certainly feel cold in all regions too, with the northerly winds creating a notable wind chill" - although the colder spell is expected not to last that long.

What's the weather like where you live? Let us know in the comments below if you've experienced flooding or particularly cold temperatures.