Severe flood warnings were issued for several areas of Britain yesterday as rising water levels caused traffic chaos in the worst affected parts. In Silsden, West Yorkshire, about 100 workers had to be evacuated from a factory.

Television pictures showed torrents of water rushing through the town, with an articulated lorry stranded precariously in the rising waters.

The Environment Agency issued six severe flood warnings - the highest flood threat level - for several parts of nearby Wakefield and Skipton as officials became increasingly worried about the rivers Colne, Calder and Aire breaking their banks after the River Severn burst its banks, causing severe flooding around Shropshire.

Parts of western England were also issued with flood warnings, particularly around Gloucestershire, with some areas under water for the second time in six months.

In all, around 100 flood warnings are in place around the country.

"If you live in an area that is affected by the warnings and severe warnings, then precautionary measures should be taken," an agency spokesman said.

A Virgin Trains spokesman said services had been suspended between Lancaster and Preston.

Network Rail said trains were now travelling on reduced speed through affected areas, which was causing delays.

The latest warnings follow flooding in the summer which led to more than 55,000 homes and businesses being inundated and left an insurance bill of around 3 billion pounds.