POWER cuts and flooding could wreak havoc today as forecasters warn of heavy rain across swathes of Britain.
A yellow weather warning covering much of the country has been in place since 6pm yesterday, and lasts until 12pm today.
The Met Office warns that spells of heavy rain may lead to some travel disruption and flooding in places.
There is a chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses, forecasters say.
And there is a "small chance" that some communities will be temporarily cut off by flooded roads
Homes and businesses may also be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
Where flooding occurs, this could mean delays or cancellations to train and bus services.
The miserable weather may also lead to difficult driving conditions and road closures.
Swathes of North West England, Wales, South West England and the West Midlands are covered by the yellow weather warning.
It stretches from Manchester in the north down through Cardiff, and covers Plymouth in the south.
Areas of heavy rain are expected to develop and push north across the warning area, the Met Office warns.
Many places will see around 10-20 mm of rain, but there is a chance some locations may see considerably more than this over a six-hour period, most likely parts of southwest England and south Wales.
A few places may see 50-80 mm of rain fall in 6 hours.
Isolated thunderstorms are also possible in the south of the warning area, with lightning an additional hazard.
People in affected areas should check if their property could be at risk of flooding.
If so, they should consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
Regions affected by the yellow weather warning
North West England
South West England
Wales
West Midlands
Check road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance.
Forecaster advise gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
Also be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly, the Met Office said.
