Heavy rains cause flooding in Britain

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CORNWOOD, England, July 7 (UPI) -- Heavy rains across Britain flooded homes, closed roads and led to delays and cancellations of trains, officials said.

The Guardian reported a man in his early 20s died after his car left the roadway in Healey in Kiln Pit Hill, Northumberland, where motorists were urged to use caution after rain caused low visibility and standing water on roads.

The Environment Agency put a severe flood warning on the River Yealm between Cornwood and Yealmpton in southwestern England, meaning there is "severe flooding" and a "danger to life," The Daily Telegraph reported.

The rain was expected to clear Saturday morning and river levels were expected to begin to fall.

In England and Wales, 76 flood warning and 142 flood alerts were in effect, and 13 flood warnings were issued for Scotland.

Flooding prompted officials to tell up to 30,000 Formula One fans to stay away from qualifying day for the British Grand Prix.

In the Leicestershire village of Sheepy Magna, flooding led to the evacuation of homes.

British Red Cross emergency response teams were put on standby to help flood-hit communities.

Delays and cancellations on railways were reported in Devon, Hampshire, Manchester, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.

Motorists contended with poor conditions along some roads, and the M50 motorway in Gloucestershire was partially closed in both directions.

The Telegraph said last month was the wettest June on record and this month could break the record for July.