Amber warning: Storm Christoph set to batter Yorkshire with high winds and rain

A combination of melting snow from last week and a deluge of rain is expected to cause flooding in the area.

The Met Office confirmed "heavy rainfall combined with some snowmelt across the hills is likely to lead to flooding" in Yorkshire.

The full warning reads:

- Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings

- Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life

- Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely

- Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

- A good chance some communities cut off by flooded roads

- Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely

The amber warning has been put in place between 6am and 12am on Tuesday morning (Jan 19).

The warning was updated on Tuesday morning to increase the area size covered - with the storm set to cause havoc for commuters.

Highways England is set to increase traffic resources to help deal with the impact of the storm.

On a tweet, Highways England urged drivers to only make "essential journeys".

They said: "We are increasing our #TrafficOfficer resource in preparation for #StromChristoph.

"Please only make essential journeys as we expect the rain to cause challenging driving conditions."

Storm Christoph is the third named storm of the 2020/21 season so far.

What to do in a storm - Met Office advice:

Prepare:

prepare a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents

check for flood warnings and sign up for free alerts

Act:

turn off gas, water and electricity

move things upstairs or to safety

move family, pets and car to safety

Survive:

call 999 if in immediate danger

follow advice from emergency service

keep yourself and your family safe

The public are advised to stay away from swollen rivers and not to walk or drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.