torrential rainfall floods UK
© UKNIPTorrential rainfall hit Lancashire earlier today
Torrential rain has forced Brits to abandon their homes today as weather experts issue weather warnings across the UK.

Lancaster and Galgate were the worst affected areas, with the A6 closed in both directions and 27 residents housed in two nearby pubs.

Emergency services responded to more than 500 calls about flooding and attended more than 100 incidents across the county.

It comes hours after the Environment Agency issued 25 flood alerts and ten warnings - most being in the North West of England.

A Lancashire Constabulary spokesman said: "All agencies worked really hard in a coordinated effort to minimise disruption and protect the public and we will continue to support those communities worst affected.

"The focus is now firmly on supporting those communities which have been most affected."

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service added: "The majority of these incidents have not involved a life risk but where there have been residents and animals at risk, our crews have attended and helped out.

floods UK downpoor
© Twitter / Bel RushtonThe heavy flooding has mainly affected the North West of England
flood Cumbria UK
© PAA car gets stuck in flood water under a rail bridge in Seaton, Cumbria
"Some of the more serious incidents have included helping move vulnerable people out of their homes, moving animals that have been trapped and pumping water out of houses where the flood water was affecting the electricity."

Resident Maggie Wild, whose cellar was flooded, said: "(I) came home and thought it is pretty high and it is still going to rain all night so I better start moving stuff out of the way.

"It just came in faster and faster... and there came a point when we were bucketing it out and we had pumps going on it.

snow England Northumberland
© PAA car makes way through heavy snow in Allendale, Northumberland
"It was a bucket versus river and the river won."

Meanwhile, Lancashire University has also issued a weather warning for their students - despite announcing it will remain open.


They tweeted: "Bad weather has caused localised flooding that may cause problems when travelling to and from campus, but the University currently remains open.

"Please take care!"

And in Cumbria, the River Kendal burst its banks and caused huge disruption on the roads overnight.

Cops have warned driver to avoid flooded roads.

A Cumbria Police spokesman said: "Drivers are asked to take care, slow down and not attempt to drive through flooded roads."

The Met Office said thick blizzards will lash Scotland, with 8ins of snow expected in some places.

Forecasters warned that the extreme weather could last until 1pm today.

They added English motorists and train passengers in may face delays on some roads and railway lines.

Services in Scotland have already faced some disruptions.

More heavy rain is expected southern Scotland, Northern England and North West Wales today, with flooding on roads adding to journey times.