Chief Fire Officer Damian Smith, who is the Chief Fire Officers' Association's principal Met Office liaison officer, said: "Autumn is starting with a vengeance, with some very wet and windy weather on the way.

"The Met Office have told us there could be 20 to 30mm of rain during Friday, in addition to the heavy rain we are experiencing today.

"We are expecting a burst of rain in the early hours of the morning, followed by another one later in the morning and then heavy showers in the afternoon and evening.

"However, if you take extra care and make the necessary preparations, you can significantly reduce the risk of personal injury or damage to property caused by a flood."

Advice includes not attempting to drive or walk through flooded areas, not allowing to children to play in floods, also wash your hands after being in contact with flood water, keeping an eye-out for your neighbours, and, following a flood, make sure all electrical circuits are fully dried out and checked by an electrical engineer before switching back on.

The service has also asked that during a storm the public only call for immediate assistance if there is a risk to life or serious property or environmental damage.