Britain ordered to batten down hatches as storms dump 120mm of rain in 24-hrs

Strong winds and high waves batter Brighton (Image: Adam Gerrard)

Britain was ordered to batten down the hatches as forecasters warne torrential rainfall posed “danger to life”.

The Met Office issue an amber alert warning of fast flowing and deep flood water across the majority of South Wales with up to a month's worth of rain expected in the next 24 hours.

Warnings were also slapped on parts of south west and north west England and south west Scotland, while scores of flood alerts were issued in England.

In Devon homes have been placed on red alert with the Environment Agency saying rivers were likely to burst their banks.

Forecasters predicted 120mm (4.7in) of rain could fall in the highest areas.

Around 240mm (9.4in) fell in Wales last month - almost 100mm more than the November average of 162mm (6.4in).

The Met Office said England and Wales witnessed 143% of the normal amount of rainfall.

It means heavily saturated ground unable to absorb the latest torrent was likely to trigger flash flooding causing widespread travel chaos. 

Strong winds and high waves batter Brighton (Image: Adam Gerrard )

Meteorologist Marco Petagna said all areas had seen “above normal rainfall” before warning of “another several inches to come.”

He added: "Strong south to southwesterly winds will also accompany the heavy rain with gales possible around coasts and over high ground."

The British Geological Survey said similar amounts of rainfall had previously triggered landslides in Wales while the Met Office warned downpours could be “a significant event for many”, particularly as the ground was already so sodden.

The Environment Agency issued six warnings for expected flooding in England - and 57 alerts for possible flooding - while Scotland's Environment Protection Agency issued seven flood alerts.

The M48 Severn Bridge was closed because of strong winds.

The wet, wild, and windy start to December is a stark contrast to magical scenes witnessed across much of the country only a fortnight ago when the first snow of the year roared in.

Then flurries as far south as Sussex created a winter wonderland - with freezing temperatures to match.

But on the south coast driving rain and lashing winds pelted Brighton with the seaside resort receiving a battering from the elements. 

Forecasters expect the rest of the week to be a mixed bag with the Met Office saying: “A changeable week of weather is on the cards for many, with low pressure continuing to influence the forecast through much of the period and a mixture of rain, showers and some sunny spells at times.

“The weather generally isn’t as impactful at this stage for tomorrow and Wednesday - it’s brighter, more showery.”