People in flood-hit Cumbria were braced for further misery with more heavy rain and flooding forecast today.

Up to 100mm (3.9in) of rain is predicted to fall on parts of the county’s already saturated ground, raising river levels again in the county and putting the emergency services on flood alert through the day.

The Environment Agency said it was also monitoring the level of the River Severn, with temporary defences have been put up to protect homes in Shrewsbury, Upton-upon-Severn and Bewdley.

The warnings came as hundreds of residents of washed-out Cockermouth in Cumbria were allowed back to their homes and businesses to begin a huge clean-up operation following last week’s record-breaking deluge.

There are currently 20 flood warnings in place – 10 in north-west England, six in Wales, three in the Midlands and one in the North East – with a further 75 flood watches across the country.

The agency’s director of operations, David Jordan, said of the worst-hit areas: “We are now assessing the damage and checking flood defences, and will be working with emergency services and local authorities to get people back into their homes as quickly as possible.

“However, with further heavy rainfall expected...we want to reiterate to people that river levels will remain high, rivers will be fast flowing and flood water is exceptionally dangerous.

“Our teams are monitoring the situation closely and we may issue further flood watches and flood warnings. People should stay vigilant and be prepared to take action if necessary.”

The Environment Agency said that although heavy rainfall was predicted in Cumbria today, river levels were not expected to be as high as when the deluge began last Thursday.

But a small numbers of properties are at risk of flooding in towns across the county and the emergency services are on standby to take action, a Cumbria County Council spokesman said.

Six bridges have already collapsed in the county as a result of the flooding, causing major transport and logistical headaches for thousands of people.

Meanwhile, Scotland was braced for further flooding today as forecasters warned of more severe weather.

The Met Office issued a severe weather warning predicting heavy rain and high winds across Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders.

The fresh warnings come as the area starts to recover from flooding caused by heavy rain last week, which saw roads closed and power supplies disrupted when the River Nith burst its banks following the deluge.