Flood Fears As Rain Washes Away September Sun

Torrential rain will signal an abrupt end to warm September sunshine in areas across the country with dozens of flood warnings likely to be issued.

Up to 60mm of rainfall and 60mph winds are forecast over the next 36 hours, with heavy downpours expected in parts of the south west, northern England and Scotland.

A number of flood alerts have been put out by the Environment Agency, which said further warnings were likely to be issued for river and surface water flooding elsewhere.

The agency also urged people in the south west and south east to prepare for possible flooding before going to bed tonight.

Sky News meteorologist Chris England said: "The change is already occurring and we're in for a rather wet, cool and windy end to the month, after a generally fine, warm three weeks.

"Parts of the south had nearly an inch of rain on Sunday, after a very dry spell for much of the month, and it's fairly cold too, with temperatures in the rain only just getting into double figures.

"It'll stay wet over the next couple of days, with up to 40mm (1.5in) likely in many areas and more than 50mm (2in) in some parts. That'll be more rain than many areas have had so far this month and could well lead to some local flooding.

"It'll stay windy too, especially in the east, and with gusts up to 60mph there's a risk to high sided vehicles."

David Jordan, the Environment Agency's director of operations, said  flooding was expected across the country from Sunday night until Tuesday.

"We strongly urge people to sign up to flood warnings, keep a close eye on local weather forecasts and be prepared for the possibility of flooding," he said.

"We also ask that people stay safe, by staying away from swollen rivers and not attempting to drive through floodwater."

Forecasters say the worst of the weather is likely to have settled down in the south in time for the weekend.