The flood rescue operation has been dubbed "the biggest in peacetime Britain" - as fears mount that vast areas of England and Wales will soon be swamped in more floods. The fire service has saved some 3,500 people in the past few days after torrential rain overwhelmed streets across a swathe of the UK. The Met Office has issued 'severe weather warnings' across the whole of England and Wales for this weekend. (Sky News)
Severe flood warnings have been issued across the North East, the Midlands and East Anglia as Britain braces itself for more heavy rain over the weekend. The Environment Agency gives such warnings - the highest danger level - when there is imminent threat to life and property from flooding. Sky News weather presenter Sarah Pennock said every region will be hit by the bad weather."The whole country can expect 1-2in of rain on Saturday," she said."Obviously, the risk of flooding is greatest for those areas already under water." (Sky News)
THE NORTH
In the North East the main watercourses affected are the Ea Beck, the Burstwick Drain and the Rivers Dearne, Don and Rother.
These will cause problems for people around Kingston upon Hull, Doncaster and Rotherham.
Already 3,500 people have been rescued by the fire service in Yorkshire and the Midlands over the past few days.
The Met Office shows a 60% chance of disruption across Yorkshire for the weekend.
THE MIDLANDS
In the Midlands, a severe flood warning has been issued for the River Idle, which is south of Doncaster.
The Met Office also shows a 60% chance of disruption across the area.
EAST ANGLIA
Homeowners and businesses in the area around Langworth, west of Lincoln, have been alerted.
Met Office: 60% chance of disruption.
SOUTH AND SOUTH WEST
Flood watches - meaning a flood is possible, so be aware - have been issued along the Thames.
Met Office: 40% chance of disruption.
WALES
A flood warning has been issued for the area between Llangollen and Chester, as well as some flood watches.
Met Office: 40% chance of disruption.
SCOTLAND
The Scotland Environment Protection Agency has no warnings in force and the Met Office shows only a 20% chance of disruption.
