More flooding expected after ‘raging waters swamped homes’

More than 100 flood warnings remain in place in the north of England after dozens of people spent the night in a shopping centre in Sheffield and firefighters in Rotherham rescued people by boat.

The Daily Mail says that “raging waters” have “swamped homes” after torrential downpours brought a month's rainfall in just an hour.

The Guardian adds that heavy rain across the region yesterday “made roads impassable,” forced the cancellation of train services, “while 35 homes were evacuated in Mansfield after a mudslide”.

Further flooding is expected today as downpours are set to continue. A total of 110 flood warnings - meaning immediate action is required - are in place, most of them in Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.

The Environment Agency said: “We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to walk or drive through floodwater as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.

“We are continuing to work closely with local authorities to reduce the risk of flooding.

“Our field teams have been ensuring flood defences can fully operate and deploying temporary flood barriers to help protect people and property.”

Northern Rail has released a “do not travel” warning to commuters using three routes: the lines between Sheffield and Gainsborough, Sheffield and Lincoln and Hebden Bridge and Manchester Victoria.

The BBC says that rising river levels on the River Ryton in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, have led to a number of homes being evacuated.

Meanwhile, north of the border a different kind of weather is set to take hold. In Scotland, arctic winds are threatening to bring heavy snowfall as a low-pressure system moves in. Ploughs have been deployed on frostbitten roads.

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