Flood warnings issued for England after heavy rain

Flood warnings have remained in place across parts of England after torrential rain over the weekend.

On Monday there were 16 flood warnings in force, meaning flooding is expected, down from 20 earlier, and 25 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible. Most were in Yorkshire and the Midlands. None were in the most severe category.

The Met Office forecast further showers in north-west England, but conditions were expected to get warmer and drier later in the week.

Related: UK weather: wintry conditions forecast for much of country

The Environment Agency said flooding was expected for parts of the River Dee in north Wales and Cheshire on Monday as well as parts of the River Severn into Tuesday. Land, roads and some properties were likely to be inundated and travel would be disrupted.

Among the most severe warnings were areas along the River Ouse near York and along the Severn, in places including Hampton Loade and Highley, Ironbridge and Jackfield, Shrawardine, Montford Bridge and Mytton.

Three warnings were issued for the River Swale, five for the Severn, and five for the Ouse. Further warnings were issued along the River Dee at Farndon and at Keswick in Cumbria.

The Environment Agency said it had installed temporary flood barriers and was operating flood defences.

The high river levels were attributed to severe downpours over the weekend. On Saturday alone, half a month’s rainfall was recorded for parts of Wales.

The Met Office said north-west England could expect some light rain on Tuesday, but by Wednesday most areas would experience largely dry weather with warm sunny spells.

On Thursday and Friday, it was expected to get wetter and windier again in the north-west.