Storm Desmond flooding: How people across Britain are affected

FloodMore than a month's rainfall has reportedly fallen in the last 24 hours in some areas Credit: MOD/ PA

Britain has been hit by severe flooding this weekend as communities battle to deal with the aftermath of Storm Desmond's heavy rains and strong winds.

In some areas more than a month's rainfall has reportedly fallen in the last 24 hours and the Met office confirmed on Sunday that the village of Shap in Cumbria, one of the worst hit areas, had seen than 26cm of rain fall in less than two days.

As rescue services became increasingly stretched coping with the floods over the weekend the army was drafted in to provide support to emergency services in the north of England where more than 60,000 people had been left without power.

Current weather warnings in place :

  • 48 severe flood warnings - severe flooding with a danger to life

  • 46 flood warnings - flooding is expected, immediate action is required

  • 57 flood alerts - flooding is possible, be prepared

Flood alerts are in place Credit: Environment Agency/ Gov.UK

Regions affected:

  • North East

  • North West

  • Midlands

  • Wales

  • Full list of areas affected available here

School Closures:

  • Cumbria County Council have announced at least 24 school closures including; Appleby Grammar School, Inglewood Infant School and Stramongate Primary School. Full list available here.

How to protect your home:

  • Turn off electricity, water and gas supplies

  • Do not touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water

  • Move your family and pets upstairs, or to a high place with a means of escape

  • Try and install flood protection items to seal gaps

  • Move important items to safety

  • Place important documents inside polythene bags before moving them

  • You can get water out of your property using a pump and generator, but only do so when the levels outside are lower than inside. This will reduce structural damage.

  • Move furniture and electrical items to safety

  • Put flood boards, polythene and sandbags in place to seal gaps

  • Roll up carpets and rugs

Useful numbers: