Flood warning as downpours approach Leeds and West Yorkshire

The Met Office issued a “yellow rain warning” and said the public should be prepared for heavy downpours this afternoon.

A statement from the Met Office said: “Areas of thundery rain will move north across northern England and Scotland during Thursday. The rain is expected to become heavy and persistent during the afternoon and evening across southern and eastern Scotland, whilst at the same time isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop across the north Midlands and northern England. The public should be aware that localised surface water flooding may occur.”

The Environment Agency said they were expecting “torrential” showers in parts of the region.

The warnings came as a man died after being swept away by floodwater in Shropshire.

West Mercia Police said the man was overcome by the water in a stream at Bittlerley, near Ludlow, shortly after 10.30am today.

Witnesses reported the incident and the man’s body was found after an extensive search involving police, fire crews and the Severn Area Rescue Association.

A police spokeswoman said the man, in his 60s, has not been formally identified.