Households in England urged to stockpile three items before Wednesday

Households in England are being urged to stockpile three key items after to a yellow weather warning for heavy rain.

The Met Office has issued a two-day weather warning from 6pm on Monday, October 15 to midday on Tuesday, with another separate warning for parts of Northern Ireland.

Heavy rain will batter England and Northern Ireland in the next 48 hours, with a chance of disruption, flooding and possible power cuts.

The Met Office said: "People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

"Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area."

Energy firm British Gas in its advice on dealing with power cuts says customers should stockpile items too.

A battery powered or even kinetic (i.e. wind-up) torch is extremely useful in any possible power cut situation.

Spare batteries, both AA and AAA and whatever your torch takes, will also come in useful as well as a charged battery pack for your phone.

The firm added: "You might even consider a battery-powered radio, to keep on top of local updates if you can't use your mobile."

And naturally, keep a cupboard stocked with essential foods that you can prepare without electricity. It's easier if you have a gas hob, as you can still cook soups, tinned meats and tinned potatoes on a gas hob, or make porridge.

But foods like tinned rice pudding, breakfast cereals, breakfast bars, nuts and seeds, and chocolate, can all be stored and eaten safely in a power cut with no preparation needed if you don't have electricity or gas.

If you do have a power cut, call 105 from your mobile to report it.