As high winds and heavy rainfall begin to sweep the UK from the South West, the country is on flood alert this morning, as Environment Agency warns Brits to prepare for a culmination of heavy rain and storm.

The Environment Agency has issued 13 flood warnings across the South West and Wales, while 47 areas across Scotland, England and Wales, are on flood alert. The Environment Agency has also issued a flood alert near Swansea and Port Talbot.

The ground in parts of south and west Wales remains saturated from last month’s heavy rainfall, the Environment Agency’s forecast said. Over the next 24 hours, rainfall measuring between 20mm and 30mm is expected to fall in South West and Wales.

The weather forecasters said that high winds of up to 60mph will affect much of the UK, reaching up to 70mph in north-east Scotland. Heavy rainfall has already begun to fall in the South West which is likely to bear the brunt of the worse weather.

Seafronts, quaysides and jetties along the south coast are at high risk of flooding and public have been advised to stay away from them.

Nick Roseveare, of the Environment Agency, said, “We are keeping a close eye on conditions around our coastline and will issue flood warnings if the risk of flooding increases. The critical periods will be the early morning tides over the next three days.”

“If they coincide with rain, there’s a risk of tide-locking, where water is held in rain-swollen rivers and cannot escape into the sea because of the high tides. This could result in localised flooding.”, Roseveare added.

The Environment Agency has advised people dwelling in the risk areas to check its website, and Twitter feed for the latest updates, or to call the floodline on 0845 988 1188.