British storms threaten flooding

LONDON, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Weather forecasters issued flood warnings for northwest England and southwest Scotland Thursday as heavy rain and high winds swept through the area.

Wind gusts up to 70 mph were expected in some areas, the BBC said.

Thirty-seven flood warnings were reported in place across Britain with Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway said to be at greatest risk. North Wales reported some flooding from heavy rain. A number of roads were closed.

The Environment Agency warned also of a possible tidal surge in the northern Irish Sea which could increase the flood risk along the west coast from Aberystwyth north.