UK weather – live: 230 flood alerts and warnings as Met Office warns of heavy rain and ice

There are up to 230 flood alerts and warnings across the UK today as the Met Office warns of heavy rain and icy conditions.

The warnings are in place across the south of England, Midlands and North East with hundreds of alerts stretching across the same area and into the North West.

It comes as the Met Office issued a yellow ice warning for Scotland and urged residents to be mindful of slippery roads, pavements and paths.

The forecaster also warned of heavy rain, with five yellow rain warnings in place across the UK between Wednesday and Thursday.

Meanwhile, two men died as they sheltered from temperatures as low as -10C over the weekend in some parts of the UK.

In Manchester, a man was declared dead after police were called to the city centre following concerns over his welfare when he was found in a shop doorway.

A homeless man was also believed to have frozen to death inside a car as he sheltered from subzero temperatures in Beeston, Nottingham.

Latest

• Second man dies following freezing temperatures in UK

• RAC warns of ‘ice rink Monday’

• More rain and snow to lash UK on Monday

• Yellow weather warning extended

Pictured - People across the UK woke up in a Winter Wonderland

Sunday 3 December 2023 20:50 , Lydia Patrick

Watch - Blyth beach covered in snow as temperatures plunge across the UK

Sunday 3 December 2023 21:20 , Lydia Patrick

Blyth beach covered in snow as temperatures plunge across the UK

More snow expected across North Wales, West Midlands and North of England

Sunday 3 December 2023 21:40 , Lydia Patrick

The Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning as more snow is expected to fall this evening across parts of north Wales, the West Midlands and northern England.

The warning will remain in place from 6pm until midday tomorrow.

Warning of ‘Ice rink Monday'

Sunday 3 December 2023 21:56 , Lydia Patrick

Warnings have been issued that parts of the country could be facing an “ice rink Monday”, as snow refreezes overnight.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice in the East Midlands, the West Midlands, the north of England, and much of north and central Wales from 5pm on Sunday to 12pm on Monday.

The weather service said a modest thaw of recent snowfall will lead to wet roads and pavements, adding that the refreezing of thawed snow as temperatures fall on Sunday evening will cause some icy patches on untreated surfaces resulting in difficult travel conditions.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said northern parts of the country could be facing an “ice rink Monday as snow refreezes overnight”.

He added: “We’re expecting some very treacherous icy conditions in northern parts, so those who have to drive should exercise great caution. If it’s possible to delay or even abandon journeys that may well be the best option.

“Those who decide to drive should leave extra space behind the vehicle in front, reduce their speeds to give plenty of time to stop.“Before setting out, it’s important to allow more time to de-ice and de-mist vehicles thoroughly.”

‘Only travel if necessary’

Sunday 3 December 2023 22:20 , Lydia Patrick

Cumbria Police are urging those across the country to only travel if necessary since hundreds of travellers became stranded amid heavy snowfall last night.

An unprecedented amount of snow swept across the county, prompting the declaration of a major incident, say Cumbria Police.

Kendal resident Hannah Smith said she had never seen such heavy snow in Ambleside and Grasmere.

It took Ms Smith nine hours to return home to Kendal from Grasmere on Saturday night – a journey which usually takes under 30 minutes by car in normal weather conditions.

She said she decided to abandon her car and walk to the nearest train station in Windermere after waiting in traffic with two eight-year-old children for four-and-a-half hours on Saturday night.

The communications manager told the PA news agency: “Rather than sleeping on the floor of a church or a community centre, we were just going to walk as long as it takes to get near the train station.

“We were quite lucky in that sense because the kids had walking boots and we knew they could walk.”

Mapped: Snow and ice Met Office warnings as UK hit by overnight freeze

Sunday 3 December 2023 22:50 , Lydia Patrick

The UK has been hit by a wave of snow and ice this weekend as a major incident was declared and flights were grounded.

The coldest overnight temperature this winter was recorded in northern Scotland, the Met Office said, as Altnaharra in the Highland region dropped to -12.5C.

It comes as thousands of people across Cumbria woke up without power on Sunday morning after heavy snowfall affected Electricity North West’s service.

East Midlands Airport was forced to temporarily close its runway after heavy snow blanketed the ground.

The airport said in a tweet at about 8.10am today: “Due to snow, our runway is temporarily closed. We will update you as soon as possible.”

Cumbria snow: Cars abandoned and roads bottlenecked as police declare major incident

ICYMI - Children ‘left in tears’ after flight to Lapland cancelled by snow

Sunday 3 December 2023 23:50 , Lydia Patrick

Adverse weather conditions caused travel chaos across the UK today as flights were grounded by heavy snow and forecasters warned temperatures could plunge to as low as -12C.

Glasgow airport temporarily suspended all flights this morning, with a Lapland-bound flight to see Father Christmas among those cancelled as a result of the weather.

One passenger claimed children were left in tears over the cancellation, while another accused the airport of causing misery. The airport reopened shortly before 10am – though the first departure, an easyJet flight to London Stansted, originally due out at 6.35am, did not leave until 10.30am. The Lapland flight did not take off at all because it would not have arrived in Finland before dark.

UK weather: Children ‘left in tears’ after flight to Lapland cancelled by snow

In pictures- Snowy scenes across the UK

Monday 4 December 2023 01:00 , Lydia Patrick

Thousands of homes remain without power

Monday 4 December 2023 02:00 , Lydia Patrick

Electricity North West has said 1,500 properties in Cumbria remain without electricity after power cuts followed heavy snow in the county.

The power network operator said on Sunday it had restored power to 7,500 homes, adding that “access continues to be a major issue and even specialist 4×4 vehicles cannot reach all sites” with “equipment for repairs being carried on foot in some locations”.

It added that Cumbria’s power network had been severely impacted by the snow with more than 35 separate damages to the network reported, including “severe damage to miles of overhead lines”.

Cumbria Police said the focus of a multi-agency response to the major incident that was declared following Saturday’s heavy snowfall had now “moved to supporting communities who remain without power”.

Snowmen snapped across the country

Monday 4 December 2023 03:00 , Lydia Patrick

Many residents across the UK enjoyed a wintery day today as up to 12 inches of snow fell in some areas.

Some of those out in the snow took the rare opportunity to build snowmen.

One young boy in Scotland got creative and constructed an armadillo.

Nearly 1,500 homes and businesses left without power

Monday 4 December 2023 03:07 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Power outage due to cold and wet conditions affected around 1,500 homes and businesses in Cumbria over the weekend as temperatures dropped to -12.5C in northern Scotland overnight.

The region was one of the worst affected by the snow over the weekend, with authorities advising people to only travel if necessary.

A yellow warning for snow has been issued for Cumbria until 12pm on Monday.

Local community halls stay open overnight to provide shelter

Monday 4 December 2023 03:23 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

A parish hall, a school and local community halls in Cumbria stayed open overnight to provide shelter to the people stranded on the roads during heavy snowfall.

Harrison Ward, one of the residents of Cumbria, said people from all walks of life sought refuge at the Ambleside Parish Centre.

“Community out in force. Daytrippers, families, couples and lone hikers now there for the night,” Mr Ward said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

He added: “I’m just glad the community was out to offer some selfless kindness and refuge to those caught out who were clearly distressed in an unusual situation.”

Man ‘freezes to death while sleeping in car’ as cold snap hits UK

Monday 4 December 2023 04:00 , Lydia Patrick

A homeless man is believed to have frozen to death inside a car as he sheltered from temperatures as low as -10C over the weekend.

The man, who has not been identified, was reportedly found dead inside a black Renault in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, on Friday 1 December.

Nottinghamshire Police confirmed it was called to the scene after it received reports of a man’s “sudden death”. It is investigating the circumstances.

Police officers were captured on video, which was circulated on X, gathering around the vehicle which was covered in frost and ice.

A picture also showed a police officer leaning inside the vehicle as another stood beside it wearing a pair of disposable gloves.

Man ‘freezes to death’ while sleeping in car amid cold weather

More rain and snow to lash UK on Monday

Monday 4 December 2023 04:06 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Monday will start on a cloudy note with bouts of rain for England and Wales with the additional snow and ice affecting some central and northern parts.

Eastern Scotland will have to brace for wintry showers and icy patches, the Met Office predicts.

Elsewhere, people will enjoy brighter and breezy weather.

The northeast regions will experience snow and rain overnight, while the northwest is expected to be hit by frost and ice.

Dozens of school closures across Cumberland, Westmorland and Furness

Monday 4 December 2023 05:00 , Lydia Patrick

There have been 26 school closures announced across Cumberland, Westmorland and Furness due to heavy snow and ice

You can see the full list of closures here.

Thousands of homes still without power

Monday 4 December 2023 06:00 , Lydia Patrick

Electricity North West has said 1,500 properties in Cumbria remain without electricity after power cuts followed heavy snow in the county.

The power network operator said on Sunday it had restored power to 7,500 homes, adding that “access continues to be a major issue and even specialist 4×4 vehicles cannot reach all sites” with “equipment for repairs being carried on foot in some locations”.

It added that Cumbria’s power network had been severely impacted by the snow with more than 35 separate damages to the network reported, including “severe damage to miles of overhead lines”.

Cumbria Police said the focus of a multi-agency response to the major incident that was declared following Saturday’s heavy snowfall had now “moved to supporting communities who remain without power”.

Children ‘left in tears’ after flight to Lapland cancelled by snow

Monday 4 December 2023 07:00 , Lydia Patrick

Adverse weather conditions caused travel chaos across the UK today as flights were grounded by heavy snow and forecasters warned temperatures could plunge to as low as -12C.

Glasgow airport temporarily suspended all flights this morning, with a Lapland-bound flight to see Father Christmas among those cancelled as a result of the weather.

One passenger claimed children were left in tears over the cancellation, while another accused the airport of causing misery. The airport reopened shortly before 10am – though the first departure, an easyJet flight to London Stansted, originally due out at 6.35am, did not leave until 10.30am. The Lapland flight did not take off at all because it would not have arrived in Finland before dark.

Yellow weather warning extended

Monday 4 December 2023 07:31 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A yellow weather warning for rain has been extended to include more of Devon and West Somerset.

The warning is in place until 6pm tpday.

Drivers warned they face “very treacherous icy conditions”

Monday 4 December 2023 07:44 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Drivers have been warned they face “very treacherous icy conditions” in parts of the UK on Monday after another night of sub-zero temperatures.

A yellow weather warning for ice by the Met Office is in place across much of the north of England until noon on Monday, with further warnings for snow covering the eastern side of Scotland, high ground in Wales and the Peak District until the same time.

Overnight temperatures, which dipped to around or below freezing in many of the affected areas, were expected to cause icy patches on untreated surfaces due to thawed snow refreezing.

Hundreds still without power

Monday 4 December 2023 08:04 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Hundreds are still without power on Monday morning across Cumbria, as Electricity North West’s website lists 18 live power cuts.

On Sunday, the service said: “Blocked roads and very deep snow mean some sites are only accessible by foot. In some areas teams are carrying equipment through the snow to make repairs.”

This morning, hot food is available for all customer affected by the ongoing powercuts at Greenodd Service Station, Ulverston.

Snow ‘refreezing overnight’ could cause ‘ice rink Monday'

Monday 4 December 2023 08:34 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said northern parts of the country could be facing an “ice rink Monday as snow refreezes overnight”.

He said: “We’re expecting some very treacherous icy conditions in northern parts, so those who have to drive should exercise great caution. If it’s possible to delay or even abandon journeys that may well be the best option.

“Those who decide to drive should leave extra space behind the vehicle in front, reduce their speeds to give plenty of time to stop.

“Before setting out, it’s important to allow more time to de-ice and de-mist vehicles thoroughly.”

Heavy snowfall saw most brutal cold snap this winter over the weekend

Monday 4 December 2023 08:47 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Hundreds of households were left without power on Sunday after heavy snowfall wreaked havoc as a cold snap hit the country.

Overnight temperatures in the Scottish Highlands dropped to minus 12.5C according to the Met Office, which issued fresh yellow weather warnings for snow and ice on Sunday affecting large swathes of Scotland, the Midlands, Wales and the North East.

In Cumbria dozens of drivers were trapped in their cars on Saturday night after being stuck in the snow. The county’s fire and rescue service scrambled to rescue motorists as police urged people to avoid travel.

In a post on social media on Sunday morning it said: “CFRS have been working through the night rescuing people from their cars trapped in deep snow. Please do not travel unless necessary as many roads are still affected with snow and ice.”

Fresh snow warnings as thousands left without power in -12C Arctic snap

Plumpton abandoned due to waterlogging

Monday 4 December 2023 09:13 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Today’s meeting at Plumpton has been abandoned due to a waterlogged course.

The East Sussex venue had 37mm of rain over a period of 30 hours and, with further downpours forecast, there was no prospect for improvement.

This afternoon’s card at Ayr had already been called off yesterday, with parts of the track frozen, leaving only an all-weather evening meeting at Wolverhampton.

Seven fixtures have now fallen to the weather over the past four days, including Saturday’s high-profile Fighting Fifth meeting at Newcastle.

Leicester and Southwell were cancelled due to snow on Sunday, while Carlisle did manage to race but were hit by 24 non-runners, largely because of travel problems.

Pictures from this weekend’s snow

Monday 4 December 2023 09:36 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Watch: 'Unprecedented' snowfall causes chaos in Cumbria

Monday 4 December 2023 09:50 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Thousands were left without power on Sunday and hundreds are still facing outages today after heavy snow showers in Cumbria this weekend.

Second man dies following freezing temperatures in UK

Monday 4 December 2023 10:05 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A second man believed to be homeless has died after parts of the UK were gripped by freezing temperatures over the weekend.

Police were called to Bloom Street in Manchester city centre’s gay village on Sunday morning over concerns about the welfare of a man found in a shop doorway.

Officers and paramedics attended but he was declared dead at the scene, Greater Manchester Police said in a statement.

A spokesperson for the force said: “This investigation is in its very early stages and the cause of death is yet to be ascertained.

“Enquires are ongoing. Police are not treating the death of the man as suspicious nor is there believed to be any at third-party involvement. A report will be made for the coroner.”

More than 20 flood warnings in force across England as UK faces heavy rain

Monday 4 December 2023 10:50 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

More than 20 flood warnings are in force across south-west England as the UK faces heavy rain but a decreasing risk of snow, forecasters have said.

Travel disruption is expected as a Met Office yellow weather warning for rain is in place across parts of southern England, south-east Wales and into the Midlands which will last until 6pm on Monday.

The Environment Agency has issued 28 flood warnings, mainly in Dorset and Somerset, as heavy rain is causing river levels to rise.

National Highways said the A303 in Somerset was closed eastbound between the A37/A372 at Podimore and the A359 near Sparkford because of flooding, with no time estimated for when it would reopen.

A Met Office spokesperson said a rain warning was also being considered for north-east England for Monday night into Tuesday morning.

Met Office issues yellow weather warning for rain

Monday 4 December 2023 11:16 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A new yellow weather warning has been issued by the Met Office affecting north east England and Yorkshire & Humber.

The Met Office said: “Rain, with some snow over higher hills at first, will become persistent and at times heavy across northeast England during Monday and overnight into Tuesday. 20-40 mm of rain falling widely and 50-70 mm over some east facing hills.”

The warning is in place from noon today until 9am tomorrow.

Travel misery continues for millions as Met Office warns of more extreme weather

Monday 4 December 2023 11:29 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

After a miserable weekend for travellers in large parts of the UK, the working week has begun with more disruption.

Thousands of airline passengers woke up on Monday morning where they did not intend to be after dozens of weekend flight cancellations.

Rail firms are warning of major disruption on day four of an overtime ban by train drivers.

Our travel correspondent Simon Calder reports:

Travel misery continues for millions as Met Office warns of more extreme weather

Edinburgh Zoo pandas returning to China amid cold weather

Monday 4 December 2023 12:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Edinburgh Zoo pandas, Yang Guang and Tian Tian, have been loaded into a cargo plane which will shortly take them back to China after 12 years in Scotland.

Amid cold weather at Edinburgh Airport on Monday morning, the two bears were loaded into a China Southern cargo plane.

They are being transported in metal crates and are accompanied by a vet and a keeper from the zoo.

The pandas arrived at Edinburgh Zoo in December 2011 and the agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association has now come to an end.

It had been hoped female panda Tian Tian and male Yang Guang would breed while at the zoo, but they did not produce a cub.

In pictures: Snow covers Cumbria after heavy snowfall this weekend

Monday 4 December 2023 12:23 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Deep snow in Ambleside, Cumbria

Monday 4 December 2023 12:48 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Yellow weather warning issued for ice across Scotland

Monday 4 December 2023 13:13 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Met Office has issued a new yellow weather warning for ice across parts of Scotland from 3pm today untill 11am tomorrow.

“Wintry showers will continue across northern Scotland for the rest of Monday, gradually becoming confined to coastal areas through the early hours of Tuesday,” the Met Office said.

“Icy patches are expected where rain falls onto frozen surfaces. A few centimetres of snow are also possible in places but mainly on hills.”

Heavy rain to follow UK’s cold blast as flooding and disruption expected in days ahead

Monday 4 December 2023 13:40 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Travel chaos is expected to continue while over 1,000 homes have been left without power, as the UK continues to be hit by icy weather conditions.

After a weekend that saw heavy snowfall coat the north-west, Brits can expect a slight thawing in temperature as the weather turns gradually to rain with brighter spells expected in the coming days.

In their three to five day weather forecast, the Met Office warns of “frost and fog” with wet and windy conditions arriving from the southwest later this week.

Heavy rain to follow UK’s cold blast as flooding expected in days ahead

Met Office forecast for week ahead

Monday 4 December 2023 14:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Flood warnings as heavy rain causes river levels to rise

Monday 4 December 2023 14:39 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Environment Agency has issued 28 flood warnings, mainly in Dorset and Somerset, as heavy rain is causing river levels to rise.

National Highways said the A303 in Somerset was closed eastbound between the A37/A372 at Podimore and the A359 near Sparkford because of flooding, with no time estimated for when it would reopen.

Flooding has blocked the railway line between Taunton and Westbury, affecting Great Western Railway (GWR) and CrossCountry services.

GWR trains to London are being diverted via Bristol, extending journey times by up to two hours.

Services were already reduced due to industrial action by train drivers.

Extreme rainfall in the Crewkerne area of Somerset means fewer trains than normal can run between Exeter St Davids and Yeovil Junction.

Passengers were advised not to travel between Salisbury and Exeter.

What are the weather warnings in place today?

Monday 4 December 2023 15:09 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Yellow - Rain

Until 6pm today

Covers: London & South East England, South West England, West Midlands

Yellow - Rain

Until 9am tomorrow

North East England, Yorkshire & Humber

Yellow - Ice

Until 11am tomorrow

Grampian, Highlands & Eilean Siar, Orkney & Shetland

Cold snap to ease but brings more wet and windy weather

Monday 4 December 2023 15:24 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

After a brutally cold weekend, the Met Office has said an ease to freezing temperatures is on the cards this week. But sadly, with the warmer temperatures, we can expect wet and windy weather.

When is the right time to put the heating on?

Monday 4 December 2023 15:44 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Knowing when your heating should go on is tricky. You feel freezing, but you know it’s only going to get colder. Do you want to spend that money now?

“There’s no exact time of year when you should turn your heating on,” explains Joanna O’Loan, knowledge manager at the Energy Saving Trust.

When should I turn my heating on? And other cold weather questions answered

Drivers warned not to enter floodwater amid road closures in Somerset

Monday 4 December 2023 17:02 , Barney Davis

A raft of new schools are set to be closed in Somerset after flooding

Monday 4 December 2023 17:28 , Barney Davis

Schools have been closed across Somerset during mass road closures due to the flooding.

There are flood warnings for the River Brue, Glastonbury Millstream and the River Parrett. Flood alerts include the Mid Bristol Avon area, the River Chew, the River Biss and West Somerset Streams and rivers in south-east Somerset.

Here is the full list of schools closed early today or tomorrow:

Ash CofE Primary School

Baltonsborough CE VC Primary School

Butleigh CofE Primary School

Charlton Mackrell CofE Primary School

Churchstanton Primary School

Curry Mallet CofE Primary School

Curry Rivel CofE VC Primary School

Fiveaways Special School

Hambridge Community Primary School

Herne View CofE Primary School

High Ham CofE Primary School

Hinton St George CofE Primary School

Keinton Mandeville Primary School

Kingston St Mary CofE Primary School

Long Sutton CofE Primary School

Martock CofE Primary School

Meare Village Primary School

North Newton Community Primary School

Shepton Beauchamp Church School

South Somerset Partnership School

St Mary and St Peters Church School

Stoberry Park School

Tatworth Primary School

West Pennard CofE Primary School

Crowdfunder launched for young man who died in horror accident in bad weather

Monday 4 December 2023 17:31 , Barney Davis

Sonny Farrier tragically lost his life on Saturday 2 December in a car accident due to the bad weather on his way home from work.

A friend said: “He was the most kind person, with the purest of hearts and who always had a smile on his face. He had time for everyone he met and was so genuine.

“He helped me at a young age in primary school and took me under his wing, meaning I’ve always looked up to him and respected him.”

Over 20 flood warnings are in force across south-west England

Monday 4 December 2023 18:45 , Barney Davis

Travel disruption is expected as a Met Office yellow weather warning for rain is in place across parts of southern England, south-east Wales and into the Midlands which will last until 6pm on Monday.

The Environment Agency has issued 28 flood warnings, mainly in Dorset and Somerset, as heavy rain is causing river levels to rise.

National Highways said the A303 in Somerset was closed eastbound between the A37/A372 at Podimore and the A359 near Sparkford because of flooding, with no time estimated for when it would reopen.

Police launch appeal after horror crash kills driver in Somerset amid heavy rain

Monday 4 December 2023 19:15 , Barney Davis

Dorset Police are looking for witnesses following a collision between a car and a lorry on the M4 eastbound between junctions 22 (M49) and 21 (M48) at approximately 4.30am this morning.

The driver of the car, a blue Tesla, tragically died at the scene.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained officer. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.

No one else involved in the collision suffered any injuries.

The M4 was closed in both directions between junctions 22 and 21 to allow investigations to take place and the vehicles to be recovered.

Somerset council shut off road after ‘landslip’ amid floods

Monday 4 December 2023 19:37 , Barney Davis

Somerset Council has shut Tyler’s Lane in Fitzhead due to a landslip with a spokesman asking drivers to avoid this route.

Travel disruption is expected as a Met Office yellow weather warning for rain is in place across parts of southern England, south-east Wales and into the Midlands which will last until 6pm on Monday.

The Environment Agency has issued 28 flood warnings, mainly in Dorset and Somerset, as heavy rain is causing river levels to rise.

National Highways said the A303 in Somerset was closed eastbound between the A37/A372 at Podimore and the A359 near Sparkford because of flooding, with no time estimated for when it would reopen.

Map shows amount of rainfall measured across Somerset in last 24 hours

Monday 4 December 2023 20:38 , Barney Davis

The Environment Agency has issued 28 flood warnings, mainly in Dorset and Somerset, as heavy rain is causing river levels to rise.

Travel misery continues for millions as Met Office warns of more extreme weather

Monday 4 December 2023 23:45 , Barney Davis

After a miserable weekend for travellers in large parts of the UK, the working week has begun with more disruption.

Thousands of airline passengers woke up on Monday morning where they did not intend to be after dozens of weekend flight cancellations.

Rail firms are warning of major disruption on day four of an overtime ban by train drivers.

Simon Calder reports:

Travel misery continues for millions as Met Office warns of more extreme weather

Nearly 30 flood warnings issued as UK faces heavy rain but snow risk lessens

00:30 , Barney Davis

More than 20 flood warnings are in force across south-west England as the UK faces heavy rain but a decreasing risk of snow, forecasters have said.

The Environment Agency has issued 28 flood warnings, mainly in Dorset and Somerset, as heavy rain is causing river levels to rise.

Katie Dickinson reports:

Nearly 30 flood warnings issued as UK faces heavy rain but snow risk lessens

20 homes flooded across Somerset - council

02:08 , Barney Davis

Somerset Council teams have been responding to incidents across the county following heavy rain overnight and throughout Monday.

There have been reports of around 20 properties having some kind of flooding during the day, scattered across the county.

They responded to more than 40 incidents, many of them minor road closures due to flooding, as rain swept through the county.

More than 20 schools took the decision to close as a result of the bad weather and several libraries closed early.

28 flood warnings expected across Dorset

04:08 , Barney Davis

There are 28 spots across Dorset where flooding is expected today or overnight.

16 flood alerts are also in the wider area, where some flooding is considered possible.

64 floods expected across country

06:08 , Barney Davis

64 flood warnings are in place across Dorset, Somerset, the North East and Yorkshire overnight where flooding is expected.

There are also 182 alerts where flooding is described as possible with rivers expected to burst their banks.

Rising waters are expected in the South of England and Midlands today and across parts of the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber today and Tuesday.

Local flooding is also possible across parts of England on Wednesday and Thursday.

Up to 70 flood alerts in place across UK

08:23 , Alexander Butler

There are up to 70 flood warnings in place across the UK, according to the Environment Agency.

Rising waters are expected in the South of England and Midlands today and across parts of the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber today and Tuesday.

Local flooding is also possible across parts of England on Wednesday and Thursday.

Police urge Cumbrians to take ‘extra care’ over ice

08:36 , Alexander Butler

Cumbria Police has urged residents to take “extra care” this morning following freezing conditions and heavy snow that caused extensive damage to the county’s energy network.

“Please take extra care on the roads this morning. The roads are liable to be icy and slippery. Make sure you adjust your speed and driving accordingly. Let’s make sure everyone reaches their destination safely,” the force said on X.

It comes after the heaviest blizzard in years forced the closure of dozens of schools across the county while more than 500 properties prepared for a third night without power.

NHS warns cold weather is risk to older people

09:09 , Alexander Butler

Colder weather poses a risk to older people and those with heart or lung conditioins, the NHS has warned.

“With the recent drop in temperatures, cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart and lung conditions can be particularly at risk,” North East and North Cumbria NHS said.

Motorists urged to be cautious

09:16 , Alexander Butler

Motorists have been urged to be cautious while driving in Cumbria after the heaviest blizzard in years forced the closure of dozens of schools across the county.

“The drop in temperatures and difficult road conditions presents motorists with a number of issues that make drivers, cyclists and pedestrians more vulnerable,” councillor Denise Roll told the BBC.

“It is vital to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the winter and to be aware of slippery road surfaces as well as taking a supply of warm clothes and food on all journeys.”

Widespread frost and heavy winds expected

11:24 , Alexander Butler

Widespread frost, heavy rain and strong winds are forecast across the UK for Tuesday evening and Wednesday, the Met Office said.

“The low pressure system that brought yesterday’s rain is pulling away across the near continent and things will turn a little drier today for many with the odd bright spell before the next system arrives from the west tomorrow, Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey told The Independent.

“Tonight will be another cold night with a widespread frost expected. As we go through the morning heavy rain and strong winds will push across the country from the west.”