Flood warning affecting Heywood

The Environment Agency has updated its flood warning for the Upper Irwell catchment affecting Heywood, the agency says: "Further rainfall is forecast over the next few days and river levels may rise. Please remain vigilant and monitor the Environment Agency website and weather forecast for further information."

Two bouts of heavy rain are causing concern, the first due to hit the UK's west coast early on Saturday, BBC weather forecasters predict.

Forecasters predict there is a "good chance" that 2012 will be the wettest year in the UK since records began.

Strong winds, with gusts up to 80mph (130km/h), are also battering the UK.

About 20-30mm (about 1in) of rain is expected to fall on Saturday, badly affecting areas already saturated by flooding.

Just 46mm (2in) of rain is needed to fall before 31 December to break the record, with 1,291.2mm (50in) recorded between 1 January and 26 December, the Met Office said.

A new record has already been set for England with 1,095.8mm falling in the year up to Boxing Day.