UK weather: More heavy rain to hit parts of UK amid 'downright dangerous' road conditions

The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning that lasts until midday on Sunday, which stretches from the South West, through the North and into eastern Scotland.

A separate, more severe amber warning has also been extended to midday on Sunday for the South West, Midlands and Wales, which says there is a "good chance of some communities being cut off by flooded roads".

Both warn homes and businesses could be flooded, with "fast-flowing" and "deep" flood water causing damage to properties and possibly putting lives at risk.

Between 15 and 25mm of rain is expected across Northern Ireland into Sunday, with 30 to 50mm possible on higher ground.

Large parts of the UK already suffered heavy rain on Saturday, causing traffic disruption and flood damage for some.

There are currently four flood warnings in England - two in north Devon and two along the River Stour in Worcestershire - and more than 50 flood alerts in place. There are also a dozen alerts and six warnings in Scotland.

Meteorologists say there was 45-60mm of rain across southern England throughout Friday and Saturday.

Many places will see from 25 to 50mm of rainfall by the end of the weekend, and there is potential for more than 120mm on some of the most exposed high ground at Snowdonia and Exmoor, they added.

Wet conditions in the South West, Wales and North West of England are set to continue pushing east and northwards on Sunday.

Carol Holt, from the Environment Agency, said: "We urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive though flood water - it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm (300mm) of flowing water is enough to float your car."

It comes after heavy rain and winds of up to 61mph battered parts of the UK on Friday, as Storm Alex - named by the French meteorological office - arrived from Europe.

Power cuts were recorded in some areas, including in Portsmouth, Southampton, towns east of Reading, Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset.

Sky News weather presenter Kirsty McCabe said: "It will be a wet night for many, with heavy rain leading to flooding in eastern Scotland, Wales and western England. It will turn wet and very windy across Northern Ireland.

"Sunday remains cold and unsettled with rain for northern Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales and southern England, along with brisk winds. There will be some sunny spells for southern Scotland and northern England."

She added: "Rain will clear from Northern Ireland and Wales later in the day. However, showers will develop across eastern Britain, and the far south of England will be very wet and windy."

RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said that road conditions will be "miserable if not downright dangerous" for drivers again on Sunday.

He said they will need to be prepared for "an ugly mix" of surface spray, gusty winds and more than likely some disruption on the roads.

Breakdown cover provider Green Flag said it expected an average of nine breakdowns per minute on UK roads between Friday and Monday.