Met Office urges parts of UK to prepare ’emergency kits and essentials’ as amber warnings issued

It comes as a 'danger to life' warning is issued

Weather maps have turned amber and yellow ahead of this weekend leading into Monday, as warnings are issued by the Met Office.

Large areas of the north of England, most of Scotland and Northern Ireland are set for a deluge of torrential rain with flooding and travel disruption to be expected.

As is customary with the weather agency's warnings, each tier comes with its own pre-set list of dangers as well as actions that should be taken to stay safe.

With yellow warnings bringing "a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings there is also "a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life".

Yellow warnings have been issued from Lancashire up to Inverness.

Meanwhile, patches of Amber warnings have also been issued for the next 48 hours in southwest Scotland as well as much of the Lake District.

With the deluge expected to last from Sunday into Monday, the warning reads that "fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life."

The warning adds that "homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings."

The weather agency also warned of "a good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads and that "power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely."

In light of this news, the Met Office posted to X guidance on how to stay safe in a flood.

The agency insisted on preparing in advance with a list of things to do or to have ready, such as a flood kit.

This consists of:

• Having a list of useful contact numbers - including your local council, utility providers and your insurance company
• Knowing how to shut off your electricity or gas supply
• Moving valuable belongings to a safe place
• Thinking ahead about what things to move
• Who could be contacted for help?
• Could you offer to help vulnerable friends or neighbours?

Meanwhile, they listed a flood kit as including:

• Insurance documents and list of contact numbers
• Torch & spare batteries
• First aid kit and any prescription medicines
• Warm waterproof clothes and blankets
• Bottled water and snacks
• Battery or wind-up radio
• Supplies for looking after your baby or pet