Flood Fears Reignited as Forecasters Warn of Heavy Downpours

Forecasters issued a severe weather warning on Monday after predicting more heavy downpours would hit Britain this week less than a month after the worst flooding for decades.

The Met Office said up to 75 mmm of rain could fall in some places over Tuesday and Wednesday while strong winds gusting to gale force in coastal regions were also expected.

Southwest England and Wales, the areas worst hit by flooding last month, are expected to bear the brunt of the rain again, a Met Office spokeswoman said, although there is unlikely to be a repeat of the devastating floods.

"In terms of the amount, it's not going to be as much," the spokeswoman said. "The heaviest ... could be up to a couple of inches."

Winds could also reach speeds of more than 60 mph in exposed coastal areas.

"The expected weather could cause some disruption and be hazardous for holiday makers engaged in leisure activities," the Met Office said.

Britain suffered its wettest May to July period since records began in 1766, leading to two bouts of flooding across England and Wales.

The floods led to the deaths of nine people, damaged thousands of homes and destroyed crops. Insurers estimate the damage caused to be about 3 billion pounds.