The Met Office has issued a rare danger to life warning as it urges the UK to prepare for heavy rain, flooding and travel disruption as Storm Bert continues to wreak havoc today.

The forecaster has put out a yellow weather warning for heavy rain for a period of 17 hours and 45 minutes on Sunday, starting from 6am and lasting until 15 minutes before midnight.

The rain warning affects several key areas from Hampshire and Oxfordshire down to the South West and South Wales.

Meanwhile, separate heavy rain and strong wind alerts have been issued in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, while the rest of England is still bracing for forecasts of more rain.

The Met Office said in its warning: “Heavy rain associated with Storm Bert may cause some travel disruption and flooding this weekend.

“Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads. Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures. Possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses. Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings. Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life. Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible.”

It continued in its forecast: “Heavy rainfall will affect much of the UK this weekend. Rain is expected to develop during Saturday morning across southwest and southern England, becoming particularly heavy and persistent overnight and into Sunday. Accumulations of 50-75 mm are expected to fall fairly widely during this time.

“There is a chance that some places over Dartmoor could see 100-150 mm. Strong southerly winds will accompany the heavy rain and may locally exacerbate impacts. Rain will become less extensive through Sunday as it erratically clears eastwards.”

The forecaster urged households to prepare as it added: ” Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.

“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking 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. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”

Thousands of homes were without power on Saturday as strong winds tore down power lines. Northern Powergrid said 27,000 customers were affected in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.

In a post on Twitter (now X) on Saturday evening, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “My thoughts are with all those affected by Storm Bert.

“For those who have lost power, my department will be keeping in close touch with the energy companies as they seek to ensure it is restored as swiftly as possible and help those affected.”

Regions and local authorities affected:

London & South East England

• Hampshire
• Oxfordshire
• Portsmouth
• Southampton
• West Berkshire

South West England

• Bath and North East Somerset
• Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole
• Bristol
• Cornwall
• Devon
• Dorset
• Gloucestershire
• North Somerset
• Plymouth
• Somerset
• South Gloucestershire
• Swindon
• Torbay
• Wiltshire

West Midlands

• Herefordshire

• Wales

  • Blaenau Gwent
  • Bridgend
  • Caerphilly
  • Cardiff
  • Merthyr Tydfil
  • Monmouthshire
  • Neath Port Talbot
  • Newport
  • Powys
  • Rhondda Cynon Taf
  • Swansea
  • Torfaen
  • Vale of Glamorgan