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UK floods: Homes evacuated amid heavy rain UK floods: Homes evacuated amid heavy rain
(about 1 hour later)
Heavy rain has caused more flooding in northern England, with homes evacuated in Lancashire and Yorkshire, and rivers overflowing in Manchester and Leeds.Heavy rain has caused more flooding in northern England, with homes evacuated in Lancashire and Yorkshire, and rivers overflowing in Manchester and Leeds.
Damage has included the destruction of a former pub in Greater Manchester, and a large hole has appeared in the M62.Damage has included the destruction of a former pub in Greater Manchester, and a large hole has appeared in the M62.
The Met Office has issued two severe weather warnings, meaning danger to life, for further rainfall.The Met Office has issued two severe weather warnings, meaning danger to life, for further rainfall.
Over 400 flood alerts and warnings - more than 20 of them severe - are in place for England, Scotland and Wales. Over 400 flood alerts and warnings - more than 30 of them severe - are in place for England, Scotland and Wales.
Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: "My thoughts are with people whose homes have been flooded. I'll chair a COBRA [emergency committee] call tomorrow to ensure everything is being done to help."
In pictures: North of England floodingIn pictures: North of England flooding
The River Irwell and River Roch have both overflowed, causing flooding in Salford, Manchester city centre and Rochdale, while roads in central Leeds, where a severe warning is in place on the River Aire, are also under water.The River Irwell and River Roch have both overflowed, causing flooding in Salford, Manchester city centre and Rochdale, while roads in central Leeds, where a severe warning is in place on the River Aire, are also under water.
BBC Weather forecaster Alex Deakin said the heavy rain would move southwards after midnight, leaving drier conditions in northern England.BBC Weather forecaster Alex Deakin said the heavy rain would move southwards after midnight, leaving drier conditions in northern England.
While there would be more rain in the north during Sunday, it would not be as intense or prolonged as the downpours on Boxing Day, he added.While there would be more rain in the north during Sunday, it would not be as intense or prolonged as the downpours on Boxing Day, he added.
Key developments:Key developments:
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."
Kellie Hughes, a hairdresser who lives in Whalley, said the situation was "a million times worse" than a fortnight ago when floods also hit.Kellie Hughes, a hairdresser who lives in Whalley, said the situation was "a million times worse" than a fortnight ago when floods also hit.
She said: "It's just horrific, really bad. I've got the sandbags down here and just doing the best I possibly can.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.""There are no more sandbags anywhere. People are panicking. That's my business and my home, it's a double whammy."
The government's emergency committee, Cobra, met for a second day in a row. Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss, who announced a review of flood defences earlier this month, said the priority "continues to be protecting lives, protecting homes and protecting businesses".The government's emergency committee, Cobra, met for a second day in a row. Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss, who announced a review of flood defences earlier this month, said the priority "continues to be protecting lives, protecting homes and protecting businesses".
Friends of the Earth climate campaigner Guy Shrubsole said the record rainfall and repeated flooding in December were a sign of changing climate and highlighted the need for greater action by the government.Friends of the Earth climate campaigner Guy Shrubsole said the record rainfall and repeated flooding in December were a sign of changing climate and highlighted the need for greater action by the government.
Local Government Association environment spokesman Peter Box said councils were "pulling out all the stops" to find accommodation for those forced to leave their homes amid flooding.Local Government Association environment spokesman Peter Box said councils were "pulling out all the stops" to find accommodation for those forced to leave their homes amid 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."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.
Flooding has brought travel "chaos" to roads in north Wales, with people rescued from cars and vehicles left stranded.Flooding has brought travel "chaos" to roads in north Wales, with people rescued from cars and vehicles left stranded.
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).
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).
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.
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