Storm Franklin, one of three named storms categorised as a named storm by the Met Office, is causing considerable ongoing disruption and flooding in the UK, particularly in Northern Ireland and North West England.

There are currently 2 severe flood warnings in place, which indicates a danger to life, for communities close to the River Mersey, including Didsbury and Northenden in Greater Manchester.

The flood gates on the Mersey to the Didsbury Basin were opened on Sunday night - the basin is used when levels in the river become too high and is designed to help protect over 5,000 properties in the area from flooding.

Heavy rain has caused severe flooding in Northern Ireland, where the Drumragh and Finn rivers have been threatening to burst their banks, with Londonderry and Tyrone the worst hit counties.

The River Severn in Shropshire has also been threatening to burst its banks, with flood barriers erected in Ironbridge in an effort to try to prevent flood water from reaching homes. The River Wharfe in Otley, West Yorkshire, has burst its banks.

The Environment Agency has also issued 184 warnings where flooding is expected and 174 flood alerts where flooding is possible.

Storm Franklin has followed closely on the heels of Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice, with heavy rain and strong winds causing widespread disruption, including floods, fallen trees, road and bridge closures, cancellation of train services and power cuts affecting over one million homes and businesses. Storm Eunice killed three people and left 1.4 million homes without power at one point.

 An hour ago the Met Office reported wind speeds reaching up to 79 mph recorded at a number of locations across the UK this morning.

The Environment Agency has had teams out on the ground taking preventative action, closing flood gates, deploying temporary barriers and moving pumps and other response equipment to areas of highest risk, and standing ready to operate flood defences as needed.