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Residents evacuated amid severe flood warnings in N. England

Xinhua, December 26, 2015 Adjust font size:

Residents in parts of Lancashire, Northern England, were evacuated as the country's weather agency issued red weather warnings for rain in the area on Saturday.

A series of flood alerts have been issued across England, Scotland and Wales, with severe warnings in place for Lancashire and Yorkshire.

The heavy rain was expected to lead to widespread river flooding, whilst the shorter-period accumulations will result in surface water flooding in the two counties, according to the Met Office.

It also said that local residents should take action to remain safe and protect property as widespread flooding will lead to severe disruption to travel and "danger to life."

Residents in Ribchester and Whalley, Lancashire, were being evacuated after the Met Office issued the warnings for Lancashire and Yorkshire.

BBC weather said rain would continue to affect south and east Scotland on Boxing Day, as well as northern England and north Wales, but that the worst hit areas would be north-west Wales, Lancashire and west Yorkshire.

British soldiers have been deployed in some of the areas hit by heavy rain. Endit