UP to the minute flood warnings are now available 24 hours a day on the internet, the Environment Agency has announced.

Special features on the flood warning website include maps of flood warning areas covered by the new service.

A search facility by map, town, postcode or river and details of TV and radio stations broadcasting flooding information and quick dial numbers are also on the site.

The site, which is updated every 15 minutes, can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodwarning.