Parts of the UK will be lashed with up to three inches of rain on Sunday bringing the potential for widespread flooding, the Met Office has warned

Some properties are at 'imminent' risk of flooding with people warned to move their families, cars, and possessions to safety.

Sunday marks the autumnal equinox - a biannual event in which the sun is exactly above the equator. Sunday’s weather warning will remain in place until 11.59pm, with the Met Office forecasting up to 80mm of rain over the course of 12 to 24 hours - nearly matching the September average for rain in the UK.

An amber weather warning has been issued for up to 120mm (5in) of rain across England and Wales on Monday. Floods are expected to cause travel disruption and possibly cut off communities in some areas of central and southern England.

The Met Office urged people to 'be prepared' for weather warnings to 'change quickly' and to stay up to date with the forecast in their area. The warning encourages people to check if their homes are at risk of flooding and to check roads and public transport before travelling.

The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings today as four Met Office weather warnings across three days are in place for several regions of the United Kingdom

Thunderstorms and heavy rain have hit many parts of England and Wales since Friday, causing some disruption. On Friday, there was a confirmed tornado in Aldershot, Hampshire. Throughout Saturday and into Sunday morning, there were 13,000 lightning strikes recorded.