Environment Agency have warned people to expect up to seven days of unsettled conditions as a series of wet weather systems engulf the UK.

And pockets of England have been told to prepare for yet more flooding after the Environment Agency issued another round of warnings.

Parts of England and Wales were brought to their knees last month when flood water surged through streets and down roads, cutting off whole communities and forcing dozens to flee their homes.

Rivers burst their banks and fields were flooded as several days’ rain fell in just a few hours.

Sections of the transport network also ground to a halt as train travel was disrupted and some small passenger planes grounded.

The UK has experienced pockets of mild, dry weather in the run-up to Christmas, but that is all expected to change from Wednesday.

Joanna Robinson said: “There’ll be long spells of heavy rain over the next few days, accompanied by strong to gale force winds.

“There’ll be an increasing risk of local flooding as the week goes on, particularly across south-west England.

“Up to 50mm of rain is possible over the next 48 hours, but there’ll be a brief drier and brighter interlude on Friday before yet more heavy rain over the weekend.

“Despite the unsettled conditions it will be on the mild side for many places.”

The Environment Agency has placed five areas under flood warnings – the second most serious of three types of weather warnings, meaning some flooding is expected.

There are three such warnings in place in the South West – including the Somerset Levels – and two for the Anglian region.

More than 20 flood alerts were also issued on Tuesday evening, across the UK, meaning residents should be prepared for the risk of flooding.

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