More heavy rain expected across UK

Motorists may face more travel misery this week as storms look likely to continue battering the UK.

Forecasters expect high wind and heavy rain to make driving difficult across the country, particularly in the North West.

Flooding hit the south coast of England and Wales over the weekend, and high river levels in Wales, the South West, North West and West Midlands led to fears more rain on Thursday could cause traffic havoc.

More than 40 flood alerts, including five flood warnings, remained in place after the weekend.

Forecaster Tom Tobler, from Meteogroup UK, the weather division of the Press Association, said he expects the North West to be worst affected.

"Heavy rain is clearing today but it is staying breezy and unsettled throughout the week," he said.

"Starting on Wednesday, through Thursday and Friday there could be a stream of heavy rain, especially in the north west so there is a risk of flooding."

Lightning strikes, driving rain and gale force winds of up to 70mph, with gusts reaching 100mph, prompted nearly 5,000 calls to the Environment Agency on Saturday.

The Agency warned motorists to avoid travelling on roads known to flood or in a flood-risk area.

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