Families living in and around Atherstone have been advised to take immediate action and "move upstairs" if their homes face the threat of flooding from Storm Dennis.

Householders have been told to turn off gas, water and electricity; move valuables to upper floors if possible; and ensure family members, pets and vehicles are "taken to safety".

Two rivers that impact on the district have been highlighted among 19 major 'live' Government warnings where flood is "expected" and are being updated on a minute-by-minute basis.

The River Anker which passes Atherstone, Mancetter and Witherley has been handed the red triangle 'Act' warning as well as a stretch of the River Sence from Temple Mill to Sheepy Magna – two miles up the road from the town – which normally meanders through the villages of Pinwall and Ratcliffe Culey.

The live warnings are increasing at a level seemingly as fast the rivers are overflowing, unable to hold back the torrential rain within their banks.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue said that 33 flood alerts are in place at the moment, 19 of them in the higher category.

A spokesman for the Warwickshire FRS has also asked the public not to remove flood warnings signs – or attempt to drive through areas designated with a warning symbol.

He added: "Remember, just 12 inches of flowing water could be enough to move your car and an egg cup full of water could be enough to wreck your engine."

Forecasters said Atherstone and district could expect more than 24 hours of continuous rain, beginning around 11am on Saturday until mid-day today.

The heaviest rain is forecast between 6am and midday with winds again hovering around 50mph, and feeling like sub-zero temperatures (up to -3C).

Meanwhile, across the country, Storm Dennis shut down roads and flooded railway lines on Sunday morning.

Relief from Storm Dennis is still some distance away, the Met said, adding that "heavy rain and strong winds" would continue across large parts of the UK throughout the day.

More than 230 easyJet flights in and out of the UK on Saturday were cancelled, while several sporting fixtures were also called off due to the weather.

Two bodies were pulled from rough seas on Saturday, before the worst of the storm hit.

One man was found following a huge search operation off Margate after an early-morning distress call, while another was found at Herne Bay.

For live updates on flood warnings click the red box at the bottom of this story.