Met Office amber warning for heavy rain in force for millions in England

The warning for heavy rain came into force at around 8:15am and will remain in place until 9pm, sweeping over Bath, Oxford, Reading and Milton Keynes.

The Met Office originally issued an amber warning covering Worcester, Birmingham, Nottingham and Hull before updating its advice.

Many places could see between 60mm and 80m (2.36in and 3.15in) - with up to 120mm (4.72in) possible in a few locations, according to the Met Office.

Forecasters are warning of potential flooding, difficult driving conditions and delays on public transport - and the chance of outbreaks of lightning.

Power cuts to some homes and businesses are likely and there is a possibility some communities will be cut off by flooded roads, the Met Office said.

A larger but less severe yellow rain warning is also in place until midnight covering the North East, the Midlands, the South East, much of the southern tip of England and eastern Wales.

Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey has said Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and up towards the Wash and the Humber could see over a month's worth of rain falling on Monday.

The Met Office said some areas were at particular risk because the land is already sodden from storms in recent days.

It said a month's-worth of rain fell in some areas on Sunday, with rail disruption in Kent and Susex due to flooding on the Hayes and Hastings lines.

The flooding, caused by overnight rainfall, has impacted signalling kit - the railway's traffic lights.

Meanwhile, Newcastle and AFC Wimbledon's Carabao Cup third-round meeting on Tuesday called off due to "extensive overnight flooding" at the London club's stadium.

The Cherry Red Records Stadium in Wimbldeon is now closed as a result, with a rescheduled date for the tie yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, Woburn in Bedfordshire had about 108.8mm (4.29in) of rainfall overnight.

Central Bedfordshire Council said flooding had hit Flitwick, Cranfield and Marston Moretaine.

Bedfordshire Police said it was aware of "multiple issues" caused by the weather and urged people to only contact them if "there is an immediate threat to life or crime in progress".

"All emergency services and council teams are working as quickly as possible to help those affected but our priority will be the vulnerable," it said.

"Please stay clear of flooded roads and affected areas."

Many places have basked in higher than average temperatures over the last few weeks - but that was probably summer's last hurrah as autumn beds in.

As of 9am on Monday, 12 flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected - were issued for England by the Environment Agency.

Areas affected by the flood warnings include Atherstone in Warwickshire, Leighton Buzzard and Luton in Bedfordshire and parts of London including Wimbledon and South Ruislip.

Environment Agency flood duty manager Sarah Cook said: "Persistent heavy rain and thunderstorms could lead to significant surface water flooding on Monday across parts of England.

"The impacts could include localised flooding in urban areas and fast-responding catchments, including some property flooding as well as travel disruption. The risk from river flooding remains low.

"Environment Agency teams are out on the ground and ready to support local authorities in responding to surface water flooding."

Monday's downpours are forecast to ease overnight into Tuesday, but the rain is set to be persistent for many this week.

"Through Wednesday and Thursday, unsettled weather is set to return as frontal systems move in from the Atlantic, bringing showers or longer spells of rain to many parts of the UK," said Met Office deputy chief meteorologist David Oliver.

Meanwhile, Sunday also marked the autumnal equinox - when the day and night are the same length.

Astronomers regard it as the start of the season but weather forecasters generally count the season as beginning on 1 September.

-SKY NEWS