HEAVY rain and gale force winds will continue to lash Britain in the wake of Storm Angus, bringing further risk of flooding.

The Environment Agency warned communities in the south-west and north of England to be prepared as the extremeweather continues into Tuesday.

Cars were submerged by floodwater in Whitchurch Lane, Bristol, on Monday morning and Network Rail said the line between Bristol Parkway and Swindon has been closed due to "heavy flooding".

Trains between Cardiff and London Paddington have been cancelled and diversions are in place on other routes as a result of the closure, a spokesman said.

Widespread heavy rain and showers are forecast for most parts of England over the next 36 hours and could cause river and surface water flooding, the Environment Agency said.

Parts of the north of England are among the most at risk of flooding.

Clare Dinnis, national flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Environment Agency teams are working hard to reduce the risk of flooding, but we want to remind people not to take unnecessary risks and avoid driving through flood water or walking near swollen rivers.

"People should also take care if walking by the coast as there is a risk of large waves caused by strong and gale force winds.

"The South West is expected to see some of the heaviest rainfall today and tonight and these areas face an increased risk of river and surface water flooding following heavy rain over the weekend."

Strong winds and blasts of gale force gusts are set to hit several regions, the Met Office said.

People living in Yorkshire and the Humber have been warned to expect 40-50mph gusts, a Met Office spokesman said.