UK On Alert As US Storm Crosses Atlantic

Severe weather warnings are being issued as the snowstorm that deluged the US heads to Britain, bringing up to 10cm (4in) of rain in some areas.

It is due to arrive on Tuesday and Met Office has issued warnings for most of Wales, the northwest of England, and south and west Scotland.

Yorkshire, which has already suffered catastrophic flooding this winter, has also been issued with a severe weather warning.

People in the Midlands and southwest of England have also been told by the Environment Agency to prepare for possible flooding.

In the North West, Wales and the South West, between 3cm (1.2in) and 5cm (2in) could fall, rising to as much as 10cm (4in) in the hills.

Between 2cm (1in) and 4cm (1.75in) is expected in south and west Scotland, rising to 6cm (2.4in) on higher ground.

Wind and rain warnings have also been issued for Ireland from midnight.

The wind warning is general but the rain warning only covers West Munster, Connacht and Donegal, where 3cm to 4cm of rain is expected and up to 8cm (3in) in the hills.

Chris Wilding, from the Environment Agency, said: "Once again vital that people prepare for heavy rainfall and the risk of further flooding.

"We will issue flood warnings and alerts where necessary as rivers respond to the rainfall, which could also inundate drains, so people need to be ready for flash flooding in some places.

"We urge people to check their flood risk, prepare for flooding, follow the advice from emergency services and never risk driving through flood water."

Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said: "We are expecting some unusually high January temperatures of 15C or possibly 16C through Monday.

"Although not record-breaking, this will be well above the average of 6C or 7C.

"The southerly airflow is in complete contrast to the northerly blast which has been pounding the northeast states of America.

"That depression will affect us in the UK this week, having crossed the Atlantic.

"It will bring us another surge of mild but very moist air resulting in heavy rainfall."

In the US, 11 states declared emergencies and at least 29 people were killed as Winter Storm Jonas shut down large parts of eastern America.

The blizzard dumped up to 75cm (30in) of snow on Washington DC on Saturday night and thousands of flights from major airports were cancelled.