The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings as the Met Office issued a yellow alert covering much of England, with winds gusting up to 50mph affecting Peterborough forecast.
Last the the Environment Agency’s flood warning service said recent heavy rain meant low lying properties near the River Nene are most at risk, it said: “The rising river levels have already caused flooding of low lying land and roads, and we now expect properties in Peterborough to be affected from the evening of Friday 25th December onwards.
“The river is forecast to continue to rise throughout the evening and into the night.
“Low lying properties near the River Nene are most at risk.
“The impacts are likely to last throughout the weekend. Stay safe and aware of your local surroundings, avoid contact with flood water, and riverside paths. Our staff are out in the area to check the flood defences, clear blockages, and assist the emergency services and council.
“We are closely monitoring the situation.”
A flood warning was also issued for the North Bank Road alongside the River Nene, east of Peterborough and west of Dog-in-a-Doublet Sluice which said: “During periods of high tide the river will be unable to discharge into the sea, resulting in tide lock conditions. Whilst the Flood Warning is in force, the Local Authority will close North Bank Road. Diversionary routes will be put in place.”
At Ferry Meadows rangers said many areas of the Peterborough park have flooded and at Branwell Country Park near Oundle warned much of the site was under water and urged any visitors to take extreme care.
Storm Bella is likely to bring severe gales and heavy rain to the UK and Ireland on Boxing Day, forecasters have warned.
Winds of up to 70mph are expected in exposed coastal locations of the UK and further downpours are also due, with the Met Office adding 15-25mm is likely to fall in Wales and south-west England, and up to 40-60mm over some hills.
Parts of the country are already sodden after recent wet weather and flooding, with residents in more than 1,300 properties along the River Great Ouse in Bedfordshire advised to leave their homes as water levels rose on Christmas Day.
Further rain is expected on Sunday and Monday and the area is one of three under a severe flood warning, meaning a danger to life, along with the Cogenhoe Mill caravan site and Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park, both on the River Nene in Northamptonshire.
Bella, which follows relatively calm and cold conditions across the UK on Friday and early morning snowfall recorded in some areas, has led to the Met Office issuing an amber wind warning, which warns travel could be disrupted, for parts of south Wales and across southern England on Saturday.
Meanwhile, a yellow warning of wind for the whole of England and Wales as well as the far south of Scotland has also been issued and will be in force from 3pm on Boxing Day.
In addition to the strong winds, the Met Office said a period of heavy rain will affect western and southern areas on Boxing Day.
As of 5am, England has 78 flood warnings and 99 flood alerts, two flood warnings and five flood alerts are in force in Wales, and seven warnings and 13 alerts have been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
Bedfordshire Police on Friday “strongly urged” residents living near the River Great Ouse in north Bedfordshire to seek alternative accommodation due to fears of flooding.
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People wade through floodwater to check boats and property at Orton . Picture: Paul Marriott Photo: Midlands
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Peterborough city councillor Nick Sandford took this image of swans on a flooded footpath at Ferry Meadows. Photo: Midlands
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Riverside properties at Orton, Peterborough have been flooded. Picture: Paul Marriott. Photo: Midlands