Just a small amount of rain this autumn could cause flooding in many parts of the country because of the record-breaking wet summer, the Environment Agency has warned.
The wettest April to June on record, and further wet weather in July, September and October, has left river levels full, the ground saturated and groundwaters in some areas exceptionally high.
The Environment Agency said the ground is so wet in some areas that just the average amount of rain for the season could cause flooding.
The South West and North West, where rivers have already burst their banks, are most vulnerable to river flooding.
Devon, Dorset and Hampshire are most vulnerable to groundwater flooding, when basements flood and water emerges from the ground. This is caused by water flowing into aquifers or drainage networks that are already full and bubbling up through the ground.
The risk of coastal flooding also increases at this time of year, especially during periods of high spring tides from November 12-18 and and December 12-18.
All areas are susceptible to surface water, as the ground is so wet water is less likely to be absorbed or flow into drains and rivers.
?Most areas of the UK are vulnerable simply because we have had so much water any additional rain could cause flooding,? said a spokesman for the Environment Agency.
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