TORRENTIAL rain brought more problems to Huddersfield today with one of the town’s landmark businesses facing a serious flooding risk.

Heavy rain fell across the north of England and Scotland this morning as forecasters urged people to remain vigilant.

And by 8.30am Syngenta on Leeds Road was reporting to the Environment Agency that some buildings on the vast, sprawling site were at risk from flooding as the nearby River Colne threatened to burst its banks.

Syngenta spokesman Carl Sykes said: “We are constantly monitoring the situation and the sandbags are already out in preparation.

“There is a risk here, but the banks of the River Colne have not yet been breached.’’

The Met Office posted early warnings of severe weather, forecasting heavy rain across northern Britain from the early hours and throughout today.

It warned that flooding is likely in areas that are already saturated.

This morning the Environment Agency (EA) have 46 flood warnings and 147 flood watches in place – including 30 in the Yorkshire region.

The warnings cover stretches of the River Calder either side of Brighouse, the River Colne, the River Holme, the Fenay Beck and the River Dearne, through Denby Dale.

West Yorkshire Police warned drivers to take extra care. The M62 was badly hit, with surface water causing major problems from junction 24 at Ainley Top through to Leeds.

Police closed Miry Lane at Thongsbridge due to severe flooding and reported problems in Slades Lane, Helme, and Magdale, Honley, with cars struck in flooded roads.

Heavy rain was expected throughout today especially in the morning. Although the rain was due to ease off this afternoon in many areas, further spells of sometimes heavy rain were likely before finally clearing this evening.

Rainfall totals of 25 to 50mm are expected widely, with a risk of up to 70mm in some places.

Forecaster Rob Hutchinson, of MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: “The rain is currently intensifying in the north and it will become very heavy at times.

“There is also a risk of snow on higher grounds in the north but it will mainly fall as slush at lower levels.

“It will be wet for the rush hour which will cause problems but there could also be some snow around this time.

“Most parts of the country will get some patchy rain at times during the day, but it is the north where the main problems will be.”

The Environment Agency said the risk of flooding remained high.

River levels fluctuated in many areas yesterday as rain continued to fall, a spokeswoman said.

Catchments were saturated and river levels were expected to rise quickly with more rain.

The spokeswoman said: “We would encourage everyone living in areas affected by the bad weather to call our floodline on 0845 988 1188 or look at our website to check what their current situation is.”