Residents are counting the cost of damage after torrential rain and strong winds battered the UK, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes.
Flooding across the country caused damage to houses and left motorists facing travel misery. Scotland was worst hit by the downpours, with flood warnings in force after rivers burst.
Fire crews in parts of Wales also had to pluck people from houses and cars, with the deluges cancelling a number of train services.
At 10.30am yesterday the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) had issued five flood warnings – including one severe warning for the River Dulnain.
There were also five warnings in place for north east England, according to the Environment Agency’s website.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “The heaviest of the rain was just before lunchtime on Sunday. The rain has left the ground very, very wet and has filled the rivers. People should keep this in mind if there is further rain.
“Wales and the north east of England had surface water flooding. The warnings in England and Wales are all dropping and we expect them to continue to drop throughout the day.”
Steve Chelton, insurer development manager for Swinton, the UK’s leading high street retailer of home insurance, said: “Many people never consider the impact that natural disasters can have on their home. Disasters such as floods can be extremely distressing, but by having home insurance you are protecting your home in advance which could be the first positive step to rebuilding your home if the worst happens.”
To take action to prevent or protect your home or business against potential flooding you can find all you need to know about flood and natural disaster insurance by clicking here
