Heavy Rain Sparks Flash Flood Warnings

Heavy rain is set to continue across England and Wales for the next week amid warnings of more flooding.

Forecasters say the torrential downpours could contribute to a record for April, with some southern areas seeing up to 50mm (2in) of rain on Wednesday.

A total of five flood warnings remain in place in south-west England with more than 40 flood alerts across the country.

Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said: "After yesterday's rain and flooding, low pressure will bring rain and thunderstorms throughout today.

"They will ease down a bit on Friday and there is definitely the prospect of drier conditions in Scotland.

"The problem at the weekend will be a very nasty low which will bring gales and yet more heavy rain. We could see around 50 to 75mm, which is 2 to 3in.

"That, on top of what we've had, is really getting on towards a record for April."

It comes after strong gusts of wind on Wednesday brought down scaffolding and seriously damaged at least four cars on Southsea seafront in Hampshire.

No one was injured when the structure fell at the Royal Beach Hotel.

The Environment Agency has warned that the drought gripping swathes of England could increase the risk of flash flooding as rain is less easily absorbed by dry, compacted soils, instead running off and causing localised floods.

And while the rain may be welcome for gardeners and farmers in drought-affected areas, the downpours are not enough to alleviate the drought that stems from two unusually dry winters in a row.

Isobel added: "It's helping fill up water butts which is quite useful, and it obviously helps with plants' growth at this time of year, but it doesn't get down into the ground.

"We really need sustained rainfall as the warmer temperatures mean a lot more evaporation - which is why winter rain is so important."