Man Killed As UK Reels From Rain And Floods

A man has died after his car came off the road during torrential rain that continues to cause flooding across the UK.

The man, in his early 20s, was confirmed dead after his car crashed off a waterlogged road in East Tynedale, Northumberland, in the early hours.

More than a month's worth of rain fell in just 24 hours in some parts of the country, with Devon becoming the worst hit.

The south-west of England is subject to a severe flood warning - the most serious kind - and over 130 flood alerts have been issued by the Environment Agency for England and Wales.

Nine flood warnings were issued in Scotland for Edinburgh and the Lothians and in the Borders.

The unsettled weather looks set to continue over the next few days, with heavy showers persisting across England and Wales.

Nearly 30,000 people were warned not to attend Saturday's qualifying session for the British Grand Prix at the Silverstone race track in Northamptonshire, after rain left thousands stranded in traffic jams near the site.

But Silverstone have confirmed they will be able to "accommodate all ticket holders" for Sunday's event.

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There are more than 60 flood warnings in place throughout the UK - with the North East, the Midlands and the South West deemed to be most at risk.

"We would urge people to remain on alert for flooding, especially in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset," said Craig Woolhouse, of the Environment Agency.

Huge clean-up operations are underway in Dunkeswell, Devon - which recorded 56.6mm of rain over 24 hours - and the Yealmpton area in the South West, where a months' worth of rain fell in 12 hours.

Sky News correspondent Tom Parmenter said one of the worst-hit homes in Yealmpton was Riverside Cottage.

The owners were away when the water came crashing in, but when he arrived home, Andy Slade said: "You can't do anything about it, we live next to the river so you have to expect it but the power of the water is amazing."

A team from the Environment Agency helped to pump out some of the floodwater - but once inside they found that almost all Mr Slade's possessions on the ground floor were ruined.

Mr Slade added: "They are just things aren't they? We'll get sorted out and probably laugh about this one day but perhaps not tonight."

Insurance advisor Darren Crump, who has been visiting properties in south Devon, told Sky News: "We're here to see customers and start assessing what they need to do next.

"We're also offering advice to people who may be hit next. If the TV goes you can replace it but things like wedding albums and precious things you just need to get them to a place of safety - either upstairs or perhaps to someone else's house."

On Friday, many parts of the country were deluged by more than half the average rainfall for July.

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The south Pennines and north Midlands, including the areas around Manchester, Sheffield, North Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, which have been among the worst areas hit by the latest floods, remain at risk of flooding over the weekend.

Around 100 properties have already been flooded around the country in downpours that have closed roads and caused landslips which led to delays on some major rail routes.

Six people had to be rescued from a caravan park in North Yorkshire on Friday after the site was left under 2ft of water.

And it was a soaking day at Silverstone on Friday when a deluge of up to 40mm of rain fell in just 12 hours, leaving some car parks unusable.

As well as warning fans to stay away from Saturday's qualifying session, race organisers even told F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone not to bother turning up.

The circuit's managing director, Richard Phillips, said: "We dissuaded him from coming in. He was coming in by road, but he could have been five hours."

Mr Phillips issued an "unreserved apology" to fans, adding the incident almost reduced him to tears.

He said the financial hit is likely to run into seven figures, which for this season will potentially turn a profit into a loss.

"We've been in emergency meetings every two hours today with the police, highways agencies, county council, emergency planning to try and resolve the issues," said Mr Phillips, who said refunds would be offered to those who failed to get into the venue."