In the 24 hours to 11am Thursday, Seathwaite (Cumbria) has recorded 173mm of rain, Shap (Cumbria) 71.6mm, Keswick (Cumbria) 64.2mm and Eskdalemuir (Dumfries and Galloway) 57.8mm.

The heaviest of the rain will continue to fall over Cumbria, western parts of Scotland and north Wales through today.

An additional of 75 to 100mm of rain is expected over parts of these regions by midday Friday, and 150mm more over the higher fells of Cumbria.

Severe gales will accompany the rain, with gusts of 65 to 75mph in many western coastal areas, and up to 95mph over the fells and mountains.

This, combined with current high tides, brings the risk of coastal flooding to Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria on Thursday.

Met Office Chief Forecaster, Bob Wilderspin says: "This spell of wet and windy weather comes hot on the heels of the storm last weekend. The rain will fall on areas that are already saturated and we are working closely with agencies, local authorities and emergency services to ensure they are prepared. You are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecast on TV, radio or online at www.metoffice.gov.uk."

There will be a brief respite on Friday, before gales and heavy rain return from the Atlantic on Saturday.

The Environment Agency has 45 flood warnings in place across the UK, with the greatest concentration in northern England.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said it has seen an increase in calls, and had been out on 13 weather-related incidents.