Storm Desmond puts 'lives in danger' as Met Office issues red weather alert

Residents in affected areas have been told to expect rainfall of 60mm to 100mm, increasing to 200mm on areas of high ground

Storm Desmond follows Abigail, Barney and Clodagh as Britain's first named storms (PA)

The Met Office has issued a red weather alert warning that lives may be in danger as Storm Desmond hits the UK. Cumbria has been placed on red alert for flooding, with residents warned that “risk to life is likely” and evacuation may be necessary.

Homes in the North West of England and Wales have flooded overnight after heavy rainfall. The River Eden burst its banks in Appleby, Cumbria, flooding streets at waist-height and destroying several homes.

Traffic disruptions have been reported elsewhere, including on the M8 at Bathgate, West Lothian, where lanes are closed in both directions after a jack-knifed lorry collided with the central reservation.

A jack-knifed FedEx lorry hit the central reservation on the M8 at Bathgate, West Lothian (PA)

The severe weather warning issued anticipates rainfall of 150mm to 200mm today in some parts of the North of England. The Met Office advises that when a red warning is issued: “Extreme weather is expected. Red means you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the weather. Widespread damage, travel and power disruption and risk to life is likely. You must avoid dangerous areas and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.”

The last time that the Met Office issued a red warning was in February 2014 after a succession of major storms brought extreme weather to the UK. During the storms, which occurred between December 2013 and February 2014, a man died after he was swept into a river in Devon.

Motorists have been warned that they may encounter difficult driving conditions including flood water on roads, wind damage debris and high winds; particularly in Scotland where conditions may be "extremely challenging."

Local flooding on a road in Glasgow , Scotland

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "In anticipating that there may be areas of flooding, Police Scotland would advise that you are mindful of the road conditions and drive accordingly. Allow plenty of time for your journey and ensure that you keep up-to-date with local travel news."

Scottish Environment Minister Aileen McLeod echoed the warning and said that the Government was closely monitoring the situation and would support local authorities and emergency services in their efforts during the warning period.

Elsewhere in the UK, yellow "be aware" warnings anticipating wind and rain are in place for the rest of Scotland as well as Northern Ireland, the north of England and northern Wales. Whilst the warning is not as severe as an amber alert, residents in affected areas have been warned that flooding may still be possible. The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings and alerts in the Midlands, Wales and the north east and north west of England. In Scotland, multiple flood warnings have been issued in Tayside, the Borders and Easter Ross and the Great Glen.

The warnings came into effect this morning at 02:00 and last until Sunday morning at 06:00.

Additional reporting by Press Association