THE Met Office has warned two inches of rain is expected to blast Britain tomorrow - as cars were left stranded in flood waters today.

       Forty flood alerts are in place today, with the Met warning the deluge will fall on already saturated grounds after a soggy New Year's Eve.

       7

       People were rescued from 3.5 ft flood in Essex Credit: Stephen Huntley/HVC 7

       They were rescued from the black Mercedes Vito Minibus Credit: Stephen Huntley/HVC 7

       Heavy rain will cause travel chaos, the Met Office has warned 7

       Yellow weather warnings are in place for tomorrow as well

       The Environment Agency has issued 40 flood warnings for parts of the UK, including England and Wales.

       Meanwhile, the Met Office has warned wind gusts of 50mph are likely to be seen tomorrow - with exposed coasts expected to be hit with 70mph winds.

       The intense weather has already caused havoc in Essex today where a taxi driver and passengers were rescued from a 3.5ft flood.

       And heavy showers will likely see homes flooded and impact travel across Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Warwick all the way to York.

       READ MORE UK NEWS 'RAPE' ARRESTS 5 teens including two 14-year-old boys arrested after girl raped in alleyway

       DRINK DANGER Horrifying rise in spiking with cops dealing with over 100 cases every WEEK

       A yellow weather warning is already in place from Devon and Cornwall up to Manchester, with the Met warning "Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible".

       They added that spray and flooding on roads are likely to spark travel chaos.

       And it's only the start, with wind warnings to come into force tomorrow.

       The Met warns: "A spell of very windy weather, accompanied by heavy rain in places, is likely to cause some travel disruption.

       Most read in The Sun

       NEW HOLLY BLOW Holly Willoughby loses ANOTHER presenting job after big budget show is axed

       FIREWORKS TRAGEDY Sister of stab victim Harry Pitman, 16, says 'I've lost baby brother'

       World Darts Champs Latest as Luke Littler to face Rob Cross in semi-final, Van Gerwen OUT

       QUAKE TERROR Rescuers 'battle against time' to find survivors as Japan earthquake kills 30

       "Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely and damage to trees is possible.

       "It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves."

       Some short term loss of power is also possible - with the alert covering much of England's South.

       FEELING ALL WHITE

       As we enter the end of the week, temperatures could plummet to below zero causing snow to settle over high grown in northern parts of the UK.

       Between January 5 and January 14, the Met Office has warned: "As temperatures fall, the chance of any precipitation falling as sleet and snow increases, particularly over high ground and especially over northern parts of the UK, but not exclusively so by any means.

       "As well as frost and ice by night, some freezing fog is likely to develop as well."

       And the icy conditions are expected to continue into the end of Janruary.

       The Met said: "The chance of widespread severe cold is still deemed low, but still the risk of impacts from cold, ice and snow is greater than normal."

       The alert comes as 75mph winds and heavy rain blasted Brits last night as they rang in the New Year.

       Yellow weather warnings for wind were issued for parts of England and Wales on New Year's Eve.

       In many parts of the UK, people were urged to pack a rain jacket for the countdown.

       Roads, rail, air and ferry transport were impacted, while coastlines became dangerous with massive swells.

       But people didn't let the rain dampen their spirits.

       Revellers fought the lashing rain and powerful winds as they gathered across the nation to kick off 2024.

       Two million revellers filled the country's 40,000 bars on Sunday evening.

       Of that, more than 100,000 flocked to the River Thames to join the traditional London fireworks which lit up the sky - with tens of thousands flocking to Edinburgh's Hogmanay.

       But, with the Met Office placing a tornado warning over the southern parts of the UK and Ireland on Saturday, many opted to stay home.

       Others in England's South saw celebrations cancelled with fireworks displays canned as a result of the wild winds.

       Plymouth's Winter Wonderland event and a Devon town's fireworks display were all axed for New Year's Eve.

       Organisers of the Plymouth event said: "As much as we are very disappointed and frustrated, your safety comes first, as well as ours, and we can't possibly take the risk."

       In Devon, Barnstaple Town Centre Management said it canned the fireworks display due to the weather.

       Read more on The Sun MENU MIX Maccies is making huge change to menus – including the return of popular burger

       BULLY FOR YOU I breed XL Bullys and give them makeovers - I even take them to the salon

       They said: "Unfortunately due to the weather conditions and the gusting winds we will be unable to do the fireworks (Sunday) evening due to safety.

       "We know this is disappointing, but safety is always the priority and we unfortunately can't control the weather."

       7

       Met weather forecast shows heavy rain is sweeping most part of the country Credit: MET Office 7

       The Met Office urge people to beware of strong winds and heavy rain Credit: Story Picture Agency 7

       Revellers braved the rain and cold weather to enjoy the New Years Eve celebrations Credit: nnp