People living in parts of north-west England face a high risk of their homes being damaged by floods, the Environment Agency has warned.
In extreme cases there could be up to 200mm, such as on the Cumbrian Fells.

It said Cumbria is at most risk overnight and has already issued 45 flood warnings across the UK. South-west Scotland also faces downpours.

North Wales has been hit by heavy rain and has already had some flooding.

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings, saying some areas could get 50-100mm (2-4in). 

The greatest concentration of flood warnings is in northern England,

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "Due to recent heavy rain and the current weather forecast, we are expecting flooding to property in the north west of England, particularly Cumbria, from late tonight and into tomorrow.

"Environment Agency teams are working around the clock, monitoring river levels and are out on the ground checking flood defences and clearing debris from rivers."

And the Met Office said high ground would see the heaviest downpours.

Flood warnings

Cumbria Police say there is a large flood on the A69 at Warwick Bridge, in Carlisle, which is approximately 70 yards (64m) long, but that the road is passable with care.

The force says flooding in the area is expected to peak in the latter part of the night.

The BBC Weather Centre says winds will gust up to 70mph (112km/h) in some areas, but adds that the extremely wet weather is the main concern.

Several flood warnings are being issued in Wales and parts of northern England.

In Wales dozens of roads impassable and a number of bridges closed to vehicles.

Traffic link Wales is still reporting 22 roads either closed, or open with restrictions across Wales.

And the fire service said it had rescued people trapped in cars in Bala, Gwynedd.

Trains disrupted

Highways have been closed and homes are at risk in towns across Lancashire, especially in areas near to the River Calder and River Irwell, which has already burst its banks.

Roads in Todmorden were shut because of flooding, and homeowners in Chatterton and Strongstry have been warned they could be at risk.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said it had seen an increase in calls, and had been out on 13 weather-related incidents.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said the authority was prepared.

He said: "We do have contingency plans in place; Lancashire County Council is working with the emergency services and relevant agencies, and we're fully prepared for this situation."

Flooding also hit sections of the West Coast Mainline in Cumbria causing disruption to train services, with passengers experiencing delays of up to an hour before the flooded sections were cleared.