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UK flood warnings: Homes evacuated amid heavy rain UK flood warnings: Homes evacuated amid heavy rain
(35 minutes later)
Lancashire and Yorkshire are bearing the brunt of flooding, with 15 severe warnings in place and homes evacuated, as heavy rain lashes parts of the UK.Lancashire and Yorkshire are bearing the brunt of flooding, with 15 severe warnings in place and homes evacuated, as heavy rain lashes parts of the UK.
The Met Office also issued two severe weather warnings, meaning danger to life, for the two counties. The Met Office also issued two severe weather warnings, meaning danger to life, for rain in the two counties.
Several rivers have burst their banks, and homes in Ribchester and Whalley, Lancashire, have been evacuated.Several rivers have burst their banks, and homes in Ribchester and Whalley, Lancashire, have been evacuated.
Meanwhile, more than 300 flood alerts and warnings are in place across England, Scotland and Wales.Meanwhile, more than 300 flood alerts and warnings are in place across England, Scotland and Wales.
Almost a month's rainfall is likely to fall in one day in places. Follow the latest developments from the north of England
The Environment Agency said affected residents should "take action now". In pictures: North of England flooding
Almost a month's rainfall is likely to fall in one day in some places. The Environment Agency said affected residents should "take action now".
Lancashire's severe flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected and there is a danger to life - are for two locations on the River Ribble at Ribchester, three on the River Calder at Whalley, as well as for the River Wyre at St Michael's North and St Michael's South.Lancashire's severe flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected and there is a danger to life - are for two locations on the River Ribble at Ribchester, three on the River Calder at Whalley, as well as for the River Wyre at St Michael's North and St Michael's South.
The five Yorkshire flood warnings are around the Calder Valley area, with the River Calder, River Ryburn, Cragg Brook, Hebden Water and Walsden Water affected.The five Yorkshire flood warnings are around the Calder Valley area, with the River Calder, River Ryburn, Cragg Brook, Hebden Water and Walsden Water affected.
In other developments:In other developments:
The two red Met Office warnings for rain have been issued for parts of Lancashire as well as for West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire.The two red Met Office warnings for rain have been issued for parts of Lancashire as well as for West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire.
They warn of "widespread flooding" leading to disruption, with possible danger to life.They warn of "widespread flooding" leading to disruption, with possible danger to life.
The Army is helping with the response in several areas.
'Don't visit''Don't visit'
Those being evacuated from their homes on Boxing Day have been told they can go to nearby Longridge Civic Hall. Those being evacuated from their homes on Boxing Day were told they could go to nearby Longridge Civic Hall.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service tweeted: "A severe flood warning means danger to life. It doesn't mean 'come and have a look'! Please don't come to visit Whalley or Ribchester now."Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service tweeted: "A severe flood warning means danger to life. It doesn't mean 'come and have a look'! Please don't come to visit Whalley or Ribchester now."
Ribchester resident Alan Tomlinson told the BBC the situation was "pretty grim" with many homes at risk of flooding.Ribchester resident Alan Tomlinson told the BBC the situation was "pretty grim" with many homes at risk of flooding.
"The village is under siege really," he said. "The routes to the south are cut off and the route to the north, to Longridge, is under threat.""The village is under siege really," he said. "The routes to the south are cut off and the route to the north, to Longridge, is under threat."
He said many residents had vowed to stay in their homes, moving upstairs if necessary - adding that the water in his cellar was already up to knee level. Kellie Hughes, a hairdresser who lives in Whalley, said the situation was "a million times worse" than a fortnight ago when floods also hit.
BBC weather said rain would continue to affect south and east Scotland on Boxing Day, as well as northern England and north Wales, but that the worst hit areas would be north-west Wales, Lancashire and west Yorkshire. She said: "It's just horrific, really bad. I've got the sandbags down here and just doing the best I possibly can.
"There are no more sandbags anywhere. People are panicking. That's my business and my home, it's a double whammy."
Local Government Agency environment spokesman, Peter Box, said councils were "pulling out all the stops" to find accommodation for those made homeless by flooding.
"Storms in Cumbria and Lancashire have reminded us just how unforgiving and formidable nature can be but councils in the regions have worked hard to try and minimise the impact on residents," he added.
"Plans have also been put in place to ensure that older and more vulnerable people are not put at risk and can still access the council help they rely upon."
Capel Curig in north-west Wales had the most rainfall in the 24-hour period to 09:00 GMT Boxing Day, with a total of 168mm (6.6in).Capel Curig in north-west Wales had the most rainfall in the 24-hour period to 09:00 GMT Boxing Day, with a total of 168mm (6.6in).
Ben Lukey, of the Environment Agency, told BBC Breakfast: "We have been warning people to take action now to make sure that they keep themselves safe, to check out for vulnerable friends and relatives, to move valuable papers and other belongings to a safe place out of the way of water."Ben Lukey, of the Environment Agency, told BBC Breakfast: "We have been warning people to take action now to make sure that they keep themselves safe, to check out for vulnerable friends and relatives, to move valuable papers and other belongings to a safe place out of the way of water."
Helpline for residents
Met Office forecasters said up to 120mm (5in) of rain could fall over the most exposed sites in northern England on Boxing Day - with the average rainfall for the whole of December in the North West being 145mm (6in).Met Office forecasters said up to 120mm (5in) of rain could fall over the most exposed sites in northern England on Boxing Day - with the average rainfall for the whole of December in the North West being 145mm (6in).
Floods Minister Rory Stewart told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "As the rain falls, the rivers respond very quickly. Certainly what we've seen is rainfall levels that nobody's ever seen before."Floods Minister Rory Stewart told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "As the rain falls, the rivers respond very quickly. Certainly what we've seen is rainfall levels that nobody's ever seen before."
On Christmas Day the Army was called in to support efforts to protect parts of Cumbria against further flooding and the government's emergency Cobra committee met to discuss the situation.
People can access information from council websites and the Environment Agency Floodline.People can access information from council websites and the Environment Agency Floodline.
The agency is also operating a phone line - 0345 988 1188 - which will be staffed rather than offering recorded information.The agency is also operating a phone line - 0345 988 1188 - which will be staffed rather than offering recorded information.
Live flood warnings from the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.Live flood warnings from the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
Are you affected by the issues raised in this story? If it is safe for you to get in touch, please email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your pictures and experiences.Are you affected by the issues raised in this story? If it is safe for you to get in touch, please email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your pictures and experiences.
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