07/08/2008 03:24:00
Downpours across the UK have brought severe weather warnings as flash floods ravage main roads in York.
The torrential onslaught serves as a reminder of last month's heavy rainfall which saw seven flood warnings and 38 flood watches administered across Scotland and England.
Worst so far is the flash flooding in Yorkshire, where up to 30mm - roughly half of what usually falls over a whole month - is expected to fall.
York city experienced the closure of several major streets during rush hour, including Fishgate and Tower Street. Fire crews were also called to one of the city's major landmarks, York Minster, when an alarm was set off due to flooding in one of the vestibules.
According to the BBC, Scotland is also the victim of severe weather and flood warnings, particularly around Glasgow, where very heavy rain is expected. One severe flood warning and six further flood warnings are also in place across the country.
Last month saw heavy rainfall soaking much of the UK, beginning in the south and moving northwards to northern England and southern Scotland. Several of the UK's newspapers compared the torrential downpours to a monsoon and some areas saw four fifths of a typical month's precipitation fall in just one day.
However, many Britons aren't allowing the rain to get them down. The Scotsman details thoughts by a family holidaying in East Lothian. Elaina Kennedy told the newspaper: "Your heart does sink a tiny bit when you see the rain. But if we have to stay inside we entertain ourselves with Scrabble, play traditional card games like snap and rummy, or read books."
15 year old Abbie Kennedy added: "We go out trips into Edinburgh and do things there and it doesn't matter about the weather."
Judging by the crowds still roaming Edinburgh, it looks like the wet weather is no cause to keep tourists from venturing out to enjoy the Edinburgh Festival.
