Flood warnings were issued in many parts of Britain as heavy rain and blustery winds kicked off a weekend washout. The Met Office had 98 flood warnings and 169 alerts in place in England on Saturday morning, adding that people should expect “an unsettled day ahead” as rain pushed eastwards.
While brighter but colder spells were set to follow, the forecaster warned of heavy showers with some snow in the north. People in Northern Ireland and southern Scotland were told to brace themselves for the strongest winds.
Flood defences, including boarding, were deployed in York city centre. City of York Council said it had taken the measure to keep the area “safe and open” as it urged visitors to plan their journeys in advance.
