UK weather warning: Britain to be battered by torrential rain as tens of flooding alerts issued across the nation

The UK has been issued with numerous weather warnings for floods, as the country braces itself for torrential rain.

The Government’s website has issued 23 flood warnings and 39 flood alerts across the country.

They have warned residents to prepare for flooding over the next five days as heavy downpours of rain are set to batter the country.

The majority of the warnings have been issued in across Dorset in the south-west of England.

The Government website advises those in the areas at risk of flooding to turn off their gas, water and electricity and move their items, pets and other valuables upstairs.

They have also told people to prepare bags with medicine and insurance documents.

They also said: “To reduce flood damage you can take steps such as laying tiles instead of carpets, moving electrical sockets higher up the wall and fitting non-return valves to stop flood water entering your property through the drains. Bluepages lists suppliers of flood products and services.”

Elsewhere they warned that if there is a severe flood warning, people should call 999 if they are in immediate danger and follow advice from emergency services and evacuate their homes if told to.

The Government also urged people to “wash your hands if you’ve been in contact with flood water which may contain toxic substances”.

Elsewhere in the UK, temperatures have been unusually warm in the North of the country but colder in the South.

Met Office said: “It’s relatively unusual – we obviously expect it to be the other way around, especially at this time of year, but, due to the position of high and low pressure around the UK, it’s flipped the norm.”

He added that highs of 13C were recorded in parts of north-east Scotland on Tuesday, but the South only reached highs of 5C.