Residents and motorists can expect more flooding misery as experts yesterday predicted another 24 hours of heavy rainfall in Britain.

Homes were flooded and roads were underwater as downpours caused disruption across the country. Vehicles were abandoned and there were reports of entire villages being cut off.

Southwest England bore the brunt, with two inches of rain falling in 12 hours on Tuesday night.

The Environment Agency last night told communities in the West Country to brace themselves for further problems.

It is possible that today up to 60mm of rain will fall on already saturated ground, leading to river flooding. Strong winds could yet worsen conditions, particularly surface water flooding, as leaves and debris block drains and channels.

Environment Agency teams were clearing watercourses of debris and monitoring river levels, and will be out in force over the coming days.

Pete Fox, the Environment Agency’s head of flood risk strategy, said “There is already significant travel disruption due to the wet weather and we would urge people to remain vigilant as further flooding is possible across the South West tomorrow.

“We also ask that people stay safe, by staying away from swollen rivers and not attempting to drive through floodwater.”

There were major problems on the roads, with the AA being called to hundreds of weather-related breakdowns. By 4pm, the AA had attended more than 8,000 breakdowns nationally – 37 per cent busier than normal – including 499 floodwater-related callouts.

A spokesman said flood-related work was concentrated around the M5 corridor but was also affecting Worcestershire and south Birmingham, with many roads reportedly impassable. Darron Burness, the AA’s head of special operations, said: “Unfortunately, the forecast for tomorrow is even worse.”