A river has broken its banks and started to flood a historic market town, as heavy downpours continue to cause widespread chaos across parts of the UK.
Dozens of people were evacuated from their homes in Morpeth, Northumberland, before the River Wansbeck breached local flood defences.
More than 200 properties have been flooded across England and Wales since Monday, the Environment Agency said. The heavy rain and flooding have also caused major disruptions on railways and roads across the north of England and Wales, including the East Coast Mainline and the A1.
Communities across the north of England and Wales are being warned they should remain prepared for further flooding.
Some areas in northern England and Wales have seen more than a month's rain fall in 24 hours, and with more heavy rain on the way, further surface water and river flooding are likely as the water moves down rivers over the next two days.
The Met Office is forecasting further downpours in northern England and north and west Wales, with 25mm to 50mm (1-2 inches) set to fall in some areas. By midday, the Environment Agency had 73 flood warnings for rivers in place, and more than 150 less serious flood alerts.
David Jordan, director of operations at the Environment Agency, said: "Our teams have been out around the clock over the last few days to minimise the risks and prepare for flooding. We urge people to keep up to date with the weather forecast and remain prepared for flooding in their area, sign up to receive free flood warnings and stay away from dangerous flood water."
In Morpeth, large tree trunks and debris were being swept along by the river as it continued to rise. About 90 residents from the Dawson Place area of the town were evacuated as a precaution, and a rest centre has been set up in the town hall. In Hebden Bridge, which has been hit by serious floods twice this summer, people have not been evacuated from their homes but waters were rising and the Environment Agency said it had teams and pumps on standby.
About 30 to 40 residents in Newburn, Newcastle, were evacuated from their homes, and Mill Lane in the area has been cordoned off after it collapsed. On the A690 westbound, just off the A19 west of Sunderland, Northumbria Police said the road had collapsed and was likely to remain closed "for some time".
East Coast trains said there was no service on the East Coast Main Line between York and Darlington because of flooding at Eryholme, near Northallerton, preventing the running of East Coast services between London and Scotland. Because of flooding on roads south of Darlington it was not possible to run a rail-replacement bus service, and passengers were being advised not to travel today. Tickets for today will be valid tomorrow.
UK 
