Britain must batten down the hatches for heavy rain at flooding, with motorists and commuters braced for disruption as the winter weather hits home.
Motorists were being warned to take care on flooded roads in flood plains and in valleys.
The Met Office is forecasting that up to 100mm (more than three inches) of rain could fall over parts of northern England, the Midlands and north and east Wales over the next 24 hours, with some areas receiving more than the average for the whole month of September.
The Pennines are likely to be worst hit, with an increased risk of flooding for communities around the rivers Aire and Calder.
Some parts of the country face up to three inches of rain in the next 24 hours.
Heavy rain overnight in the South West led to the flooding of around 15 properties in Somerset and disruption to rail services between Exeter and Bristol, while flooding was delaying trains between Chester and north Wales.
This morning there were 20 flood warnings for rivers in place in the South West, North East and Midlands regions, and the Environment Agency is also warning of surface water flooding. There are almost 100 less serious flood alerts in place.
The Met Office is also warning of high winds across south-east England today, with gusts of up to 60mph inland and 70mph along the coast, with similar wind speeds in north-east England and eastern Scotland later tonight and tomorrow.
A woman was killed by a falling tree branch in Kew Gardens, London, yesterday during rain and gusts of wind close to 30mph, as stormy weather lashed parts of the country.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, issued a statement which confirmed the tragedy and said: "We are currently working with police and next of kin are being informed.
"We cannot comment further at this stage but our deepest sympathy is with family and friends."
Kew Gardens said it was closed to the public today "as a precaution" in light of the Met Office warning of severe weather for London, including winds of more than 50mph.
The Environment Agency urged people to stay safe in the face of flooding, keeping away from swollen rivers and not to attempt to drive through floodwater.
The agency said it expected to issue a significant number of flood warnings and alerts for rivers in the coming days and had sent out teams across the country to check on flood defences, clear blockages and monitor river levels.
Alison Baptiste, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: "We are already seeing travel disruption due to the wet weather and could well see flooding across the country this week.
"We strongly urge people to sign up to flood warnings, keep a close eye on local weather forecasts and be prepared for the possibility of flooding.
"We also ask that people stay safe by staying away from swollen rivers and not attempting to drive through floodwater."
Motorists were urged to heed safety warnings as flood water hit roads near flood plains and in valleys.
Road users were having to reduce speed significantly - or take another route - in order to avoid aquaplaning and risk losing control in standing water.
And on the railways, Tiverton Parkway station in Devon, which is flanked by two valleys, was among the worst-hit areas, with train services between Exeter and Bristol falling victim to the conditions.
One woman, travelling to London from Tiverton Parkway, said she had to take her car instead, after delays to the service meant she would miss a business meeting.
"We are used to this, to some degree," she said, "but it doesn't make it any easier."
A First Great Western spokesman said: "Due to overnight flooding in the West of England, various routes are experiencing severe disruption to service.
"Customers are advised not to travel unless necessary and if so, expect major delays. Road replacement transport is very limited as roads are suffering from the same weather conditions."
The Avon Fire & Rescue Service said it had received a large number of calls after 5am by householders reporting difficulties.
Two people were rescued from a car in water in Congresbury, North Somerset and two other people were rescued from two cars in Bristol.
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PA/The Huffington Post UK | Posted: 24/09/2012 17:15 Updated: 24/09/2012 17:15