10/07/2008 03:01:00

The heavy rainfall that has soaked the south east, south west and south of England, as well as south Wales, is expected to move northwards, according to the Environment Agency.

Southern parts of the UK battled with flash floods yesterday, with some areas of the south west receiving 50mm (2inches) of rain - four fifths of what typically falls over an entire month.

The downpour has since travelled northwards. During the night, northern England, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland received heavy rainfall.

The BBC states that yesterday, the Environment Agency placed two flood warnings and 38 flood watches in England. It also administered five flood watches in Scotland.

Residents living near rivers in Cornwall, Waldon and north Devon were warned to expect flooding in their homes. A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "We advise people in these areas to be very aware of the weather around you.

"Watch the news and weather forecasts, make sure your phone is charged and be prepared."

The heavy rainfall could spell bad news for festival-goers. Several outdoor events are planned for this weekend, which could be affected by the weather. People attending Sussex's Goodwood's Festival of Speed and London's Somerset House programme have been advised to pack wellington boots and raincoats, the Independent reports.

Only the T in the Park festival in Kinross, Perthshire, is likely to remain dry. Forecasts for the weekend's weather estimate that it will remain relatively clear at the popular festival, unlike southern events.

The AA said that it attended 28 per cent more vehicle breakdowns than usual yesterday, most of them being weather-related.