England lashed by heavy rains

STORMS lashed large areas of Britain yesterday, flooding homes and causing transport chaos. Forecasters said up to two inches of rain could fall in the worst affected areas.

The Met Office issued severe weather warnings for Wales, the West Country and north-east England. The Environment Agency published two severe flood warnings, for the river Rhymney in Caerphilly and the River Taff in Aberfan, and 26 other flood warnings in Wales and south-west England.

Roads were impassable in many areas of Wales, and police in Gloucestershire warned motorists to travel only if necessary because of standing water on many roads.

Arriva Trains Wales advised passengers not to travel, with many routes to and from Cardiff suspended because of flooding and landslips.

Steve Martin of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it had received more than 350 flooding calls in six hours, including some from people trapped in cars by rising water. "We are preparing for things to remain extremely busy for the next 48 hours," he said.