Fresh flood fears as storms persist
The Environment Agency and the Met Office have warned of a high risk of flooding to property on Thursday.
Heavy rain in northern England, Wales and south-west Scotland is set to continue, with flooding expected to be particularly bad in Cumbria.
Forecasters also warned of winds gusting up to 60mph in north-west England and Wales.
The agency advised people to check on the elderly, move valuable items to safety and be prepared to switch off gas and electricity supplies.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "Due to recent heavy rain and the current weather forecast, we are expecting flooding. Agency teams are working around the clock, monitoring river levels and are out on the ground checking flood defences and clearing debris from rivers."
The spokesman also warned of a tidal surge in the northern Irish Sea which could cause an increased flood risk along the west coast from Aberystwyth northwards.
Matt Dobson, forecaster at Meteogroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "People can expect a real deluge in Cumbria and south-west Scotland. We could see between 70 and 100mm falling on Thursday and into Friday. It will be particularly heavy over the Fells, where up to 150mm could fall."
He added: "It will be windy as well as rainy, with gusts around north-west England and Wales likely to reach 60mph."
On Wednesday, roads were closed and homes left at risk of flooding in towns across Lancashire, especially in areas near to the River Irwell and River Calder.
