David Cameron is to chair an emergency meeting as more than 8,000 homes remain without power following unprecedented rainfall in the north of England.
Floods Minister Rory Stewart said rainfall in some areas reached levels "nobody's ever seen before" on Boxing Day - and another day of heavy rain is expected on Sunday.
A total of 8,100 homes were without power in the North West just before 1am, including 5,500 in Rochdale, after water breached flood defences at a substation.
The Prime Minister will lead a Cobra meeting on Sunday before visiting affected areas.
The Environment Agency has issued 31 red flood warnings - signifying a "danger to life" - for Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Residents in both counties were told to "take action" and to protect property as the downpours began on Boxing Day .
Many homes had to be evacuated as high streets became rivers, flood sirens blared and water levels rose beyond windowsills.
Towns such as Ilkley and Todmorden in West Yorkshire were effectively cut off after all major routes out were closed.
A man in his 70s was lucky to survive in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire, after his Land Rover was almost completely submerged .
Parts of Leeds city centre were under threat overnight as the River Aire continued to rise beyond its record level.
A further 225 flood warnings - signifying flooding is expected - are in place for regions across northern England and Wales.
Another 149 less severe "flood alerts" have also been issued.
In Scotland, there are 19 flood warnings and eight lesser flood alerts.
Police are warning motorists not to drive unless it is "absolutely necessary".
The Met Office said: "Very severe weather conditions are expected.
"Take action to remain safe and protect property. Widespread flooding will lead to severe disruption to travel and danger to life."
Many towns and villages in Cumbria are still cleaning up after Storm Desmond caused damage to hundreds of homes and businesses earlier in December.
Bookmakers have slashed the chances of December being the wettest in history to even odds.
Floods Minister Rory Stewart said rainfall in some areas reached levels "nobody's ever seen before" on Boxing Day - and another day of heavy rain is expected on Sunday.
A total of 8,100 homes were without power in the North West just before 1am, including 5,500 in Rochdale, after water breached flood defences at a substation.
The Prime Minister will lead a Cobra meeting on Sunday before visiting affected areas.
The Environment Agency has issued 31 red flood warnings - signifying a "danger to life" - for Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Residents in both counties were told to "take action" and to protect property as the downpours began on Boxing Day .
Many homes had to be evacuated as high streets became rivers, flood sirens blared and water levels rose beyond windowsills.
Towns such as Ilkley and Todmorden in West Yorkshire were effectively cut off after all major routes out were closed.
A man in his 70s was lucky to survive in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire, after his Land Rover was almost completely submerged .
Parts of Leeds city centre were under threat overnight as the River Aire continued to rise beyond its record level.
A further 225 flood warnings - signifying flooding is expected - are in place for regions across northern England and Wales.
Another 149 less severe "flood alerts" have also been issued.
In Scotland, there are 19 flood warnings and eight lesser flood alerts.
Police are warning motorists not to drive unless it is "absolutely necessary".
The Met Office said: "Very severe weather conditions are expected.
"Take action to remain safe and protect property. Widespread flooding will lead to severe disruption to travel and danger to life."
Many towns and villages in Cumbria are still cleaning up after Storm Desmond caused damage to hundreds of homes and businesses earlier in December.
Bookmakers have slashed the chances of December being the wettest in history to even odds.
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