Fears of widespread flooding in England and Wales in wake of Storm Ciarán

Heavy rain falling on saturated ground is expected to lead to swollen rivers over weekend

The clear-up is under way after the record-breaking Storm Ciaran caused widespread damage in parts of the UK, with a conservation charity estimating the combination of wind, rain and powerful waves caused five years' worth of erosion in one day at cliffs on the south coast of England.

Householders and businesses were warned to prepare for possible flooding after heavy rain fell on already saturated ground, which is expected to lead to river levels rising rapidly in some areas in the coming days.