Spells of heavy rain and gale force winds have been forecast from tomorrow into the weekend, contributing towards making this the wettest winter in 250 years in England.

Norman Robinson from the Environment Agency said: "People really need to keep an eye on the forecast and local conditions as we move into the weekend.

"We could have up to 20mm of rain over already wet ground so river levels will rise again and flood plains will get wetter. Travel across the region could be difficult and dangerous in places."

The East of England, although exceptionally wet, has had less rain than elsewhere.

The Environment Agency is currently managing water flows through river systems, using flood storage reservoirs such as the Halstead Flood Alleviation Scheme to prevent more widespread flooding.

Expected rain, although making levels rise again, should be able to be managed through the river systems in the same way.

Mr Robinson said: "There could be isolated pockets where homes and businesses flood from surface water or rivers, so people really do need to keep an eye on the local situation."

Flood warnings will be updated every 15 minutes at environment-agency.gov.uk or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.