Heavy rain forecast in areas hit by Storm Babet flooding, Met Office warns

The Met Office has warned of further heavy downpours in areas already suffering flooding as a result of Storm Babet.

The forecaster issued yellow weather warnings for heavy rain between 3am and 4pm on Tuesday, which could lead to further flooding in the east Midlands, including in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire; much of Yorkshire, including Sheffield, Leeds and York; and Humberside.

Some areas in the Midlands will see up to 50mm (2in) of rain, falling within two to three hours, the forecaster said.

A yellow weather warning has also been issued for parts of south-west Wales, where heavy rain is predicted from 5pm on Monday until just before midnight.

Fast-flowing or deep flood water from large rivers could also pose a danger to life, the Environment Agency (EA) warned.

Flooding has caused travel chaos across Britain’s rail networks, and the Met Office advised that flooding could lead to dangerous driving conditions and road closures.

At least four people have died since the storm hit the UK last week, and there are fears the number may rise as search and cleanup operations continue across the country.

In Derbyshire, one of the areas worst hit by flooding, an 83-year-old woman was found dead by her son after her home was inundated by flood water.

On Sunday, Nottinghamshire county council declared a major incident, with at least 200 properties evacuated as the River Idle reached record levels.

Katharine Smith, an Environment Agency flood duty manager, said: “Ongoing flooding is probable on some larger rivers including the Severn, Ouse and Trent through to Tuesday.”