Fresh flood warnings as Britain braces for more rain

More heavy rain is set to batter the UK in the coming days as forecasters warn of more flooding.

The Environment Agency now has 10 serious flood warnings in place in the south west, meaning immediate action is required as flooding is expected.

There are also more than 100 flood alerts in place, and the Met Office has issued an amber warning of severe weather in the region.

Somerset County Council has declared a "major incident" for all areas affected by flooding in the county.

Deputy chief executive Pat Flaherty said: "Our priority has to be to keep people safe.

"We are doing everything we can to do this and we believe that declaring a major incident shows just how urgent the situation is for many of our residents and communities.

"The reason we are taking this action is the long-term nature of the issues we are facing and to enable a consistent approach to the way that we deal with them."

The county council will continue its help and support for people affected by flooding which includes a boat service for the cut-off community of Muchelney and Thorney, providing a pontoon bridge at Langport, supporting farmers providing a vital tractor service to communities, keeping roads open and evacuating residents when necessary.

Sedgemoor District Council has also declared a "major incident" on the Somerset Levels.

Many communities are still coming to terms with the flooding that hit Somerset at the beginning of January and now face further problems.

The chief forecaster for the Met Office said: "More heavy rain will spread east across the area on Sunday. Given the current disruption on the Somerset Levels, the public should be prepared for further flooding."

They added that rain across the UK would be accompanied by strong winds, and rainfall accumulations of 10 to 20mm were expected.

The Environment Agency said that communities across southern England should again prepare for possible flooding as the Met Office forecasts further heavy rain for tomorrow through to Tuesday.