The worst affected areas are still in the Midlands and South Wales.

In Shrewsbury roads have been closed and many people are trapped in their homes by rising water.

No-one has been evacuated, but emergency measures are in place and shelters have been set up.

The Environment Agency has placed a red alert on a 100-mile stretch of the River Severn. It is warning of more flooding later in the day.

The Agency's head of flood defence, Bryan Utteridge, said: "We are extremely concerned about the situation on the River Severn and will be monitoring it extremely closely.

Police have declared Herefordshire a major incident area because of rising river levels. They said the River Wye, at Hereford, was 19ft higher than normal.

The city is accessible only from the east. The main route is under three feet of water and police are telling drivers to take diversions.

The Environment Agency has described the flooding situation in the area as "critical" and has sent out extra staff to help out.

With further heavy showers on the way, Britain is facing a second consecutive weekend of heavy flooding.

Insurers have estimated the cost of clearing up after last weekend's floods as £400m.

They are now considering moves to increase premiums by up to 30% for householders living within two miles of a river.