Record rainfall causes widespread flooding in NW England, SW Scotland and North Wales

Rescue services worked through the night in north-west England, south-west Scotland and north Wales to assist people affected by flooding after a period of intense rainfall.

Cumbria appears to be the county suffering the greatest impacts, with six severe flood warnings being issued by the Environment Agency for the region’s rivers. A further 25 flood warnings and 51 flood watches are in place across the country. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) currently has 18 flood watches, 17 flood warnings and four severe flood warnings in force.

Metcheck.com is reporting that well over 250mm of rain fell in various places in Cumbria, with over 300mm in Seathwaite; and claims that yesterday is expected to have been the wettest day ever in England.

More heavy rain is expected on Saturday and Sunday in the affected areas.

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/

http://www.sepa.org.uk/

UPDATE: 15.00 GMT. The MetOffice has confirmed that yesterday's rainfall total was the highest since records began in the UK: Seathwaite topped out at 372.4mm.

•Date: 20th Nov 2009• Region: UK •Type: Article •Topic: DR general
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