Flood warnings have been issued across the United Kingdom as wind and rain hits parts of the country on the first day of 2025.

Severe rainfall through the night resulted in flooding in a number of areas across the country.

People were trapped in their homes and work premises without running water, while others were rescued from cars stranded in floodwaters.

Some weather warnings for wind and ice remain in place for parts of the UK – and forecaster say temperatures will plummet overnight, with snow due to roll in over the weekend.

Wednesday’s flooding and disruption came after New Year’s Eve events across the country were cancelled due to bad weather.

Around 90mm of rain has fallen widely across north west England over the last 24 hours with over 100mm recorded on some hills in north Wales and Cumbria.

There are lane closures on several motorways and roads of north west England.

In Cheshire, the banks of the Bridgewater Canal collapsed with water pouring into surrounding fields at Little Bollington.

Police said they were working to evacuate nearby properties, while the M56 westbound between junctions 6 and 7 were closed.

The Environment Agency (EA) had issued 109 flood warnings in England, mostly concentrated in the North West.

There were also 11 flood warnings in place for north Wales and 17 warnings in place for Scotland.

WBA Cruiserweight champion Paul Bamba has suddenly died

The Puerto Rican won the WBA Gold Cruiserweight title by defeating Mexican Rogelio Medina on 21 December 2024.

The 35 year old was signed to Singer Ne-Yo’s management company who confirmed the news in a joint-statement alongside Bamba’s family on Instagram.

The statement read “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives”.

“He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness.

“But more than anything, he was a tremendous individual that inspired many with his exceptional drive and determination.

“We are heartbroken by his passing and kindly ask for privacy and understanding during this difficult time as we collectively navigate our grief.”

Paul Bamba won each of his 14 fights in 2024 by knockout, culminating in his world title win against Medina in New Jersey.

Following that win last week Bamba posted on his Instagram: “This year I set out with a goal. I did just that. Wasn’t easy, there were many obstacles that I adapted to overcome and kept on the path we set regardless of extenuating circumstances.

He added: “If you’ve got what some might call an outlandish goal, go chase it. Anyone who thinks that isn’t as brave as you, prove people wrong.”

In all Bamba recorded 19 wins in 22 career bouts and earned 18 of those victories by knockout.