Know how to react: Rain and flood warnings in effect

Warnings for rainfall and flooding extend across England and Wales this weekend, with risk levels elevated it is important to know how to react should a flash-flood strike.

Weather warnings are in place for both Saturday and Sunday, across the entirety of England and Wales. They precede the arrival of a strong band of rainfall from the west which is passing over Ireland this morning.

The rain is expected to descend over Wales from the early afternoon before continuing to push east throughout the evening. If you are covered by a flood warning, how should you react?

Before you can react to any warning, you need to receive them. The Environment Agency offers a free flood warning service, currently covering 1.6 million properties, which will alert you of any danger.

Since 1998 the UK has seen six of the 10 wettest years on record, when severe rainfall hits and flooding develops it is imperative that you know how best to behave for safety, making an early alert system essential.

There are three levels in the UK: Flood alert, flood warning, and severe flood warning. For an alert, prepare an emergency bag containing medicine and any insurance documents.

In a warning, disconnect your utilities, take any vehicles to higher ground, and move upstairs or to a high point of safety. Use sandbags to secure your home, some local councils offer sandbags to those who are vulnerable.

Severe warnings generally coincide with evacuation orders, do not waste any time and follow advice from emergency services.

Once a flood strikes, remain in place. Water can be deceptively dangerous, just six inches of fast flowing water can knock a person over and sewage contamination brings other dangers.

The government has committed £5.2 billion to flood and coastal defences, which will help protect an additional 336,000 properties by 2027.

There are currently multiple flood alerts in effect, if you are covered by an alert be sure to check the WeatherRadar and plan accordingly.