Parts of the UK are expected to be hit with heavy rainstorms this weekend leading to 63 flood alerts and seven more serious warnings.
The Environment Agency has warned residents in seven areas in the Midlands, the North East and the South West to be prepared to take immediate action as river levels rise after days of rainfall.
Localised flooding has already been reported in parts of Wales
And forecasters warn high river levels could combine with sustained rainfall and saturated ground to cause further severe disruption.
The Met Office has also warned of extreme weather this weekend with heavy rain and gale-force winds affecting much of the country, with Cumbria and the Lake District likely to be hit worst.
Jeremy Parr, from the Environment Agency, said: “The Met Office forecast of persistent heavy rainfall over the next few days means river levels will continue to rise and we are likely to issue Flood Warnings for some communities in Wales. Further heavy rain is forecast at the weekend.
“Our officers are on alert monitoring river levels 24 hours a day over this next week. They will also be out checking our flood defences and clearing any blockages that could cause flooding.
“We cannot prevent all flooding, but what people can do is prepare themselves and their property to try and minimise the damage it causes.”
The Environment Agency has issued the following advice to residents at risk of flooding:
• Always listen to and act on the advice of the emergency services and remember to put people before property.
• Move family and pets upstairs, with a means of escape, gather essential items (like water, blankets, a torch, first aid kit, essential medication and food) and put them out of the way of flood water to keep dry.
• Listen to the local radio for updates or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
• Put plugs in sinks and baths and weigh them down with a sandbag, a pillowcase or plastic bag filled with garden soil or a heavy object to avoid water backing up through drains into sinks and toilets.
• Turn off the gas, electricity and water supplies when flood water is about to enter the home, if safe to do so.
• DO NOT touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water.
• Remember flood water can rise quickly so stay calm and try to reassure those around. Call 999 if you are in danger.
There are currently 7 flood warnings and 63 flood alerts in place for England and Wales.
In south-west England, warnings are in place on the River Tamar from Tamarstone to Polson Bridge and the River Exe from Tiverton to Exeter.
In north-east England there are flood warnings for part of the River Derwent at Buttercrambe Mill and part of the River Ouse at Naburn Lock.
In the Midlands, a warning has been issued for the River Wye, from Hereford to Ross on Wye.
There are four flood warnings for Wales, for the River Teifi at Lampeter and Llanybyther, the River Ritec at Tenby, and the River Ely at Peterston super Ely and St Fagans.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued three flood watches - for the Fife and Clackmannanshire rivers, the Borders and Kyle of Sutherland.
The National Floodline service can be accessed by dialling 0845 988 1188 or through The Environment Agency website.
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