TORRENTIAL rainfall and high winds battered the town yesterday as Storm Angus prompted weather warnings to be issued by the Met Office.

Storm Angus, the first named storm of the season hit the UK on the weekend, with winds of up to 80mph recorded,

A yellow be-aware warning for rainfall is in place in Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Wiltshire.

The heavens opened in the early hours of Monday morning with shoppers and commuters seeking shelter from the unrelenting downpours.

Great Western Railway warned passengers to expect severe delays after flooding closed all the lines between Bristol Parkway and Swindon.

Scott Hunter tweeted: “So all the rain that should have fallen in the UK during October? It's now falling on Swindon.”

Konstantin Kovar tweeted: “Standing inside Swindon station cos the rain is mad..100% rather be late than get soaked.”

In Swindon, winds reached speeds of up to 14 mph with gusts hitting 31mph in the early hours of Monday. Across the region there were wind gusts of between 40 and 50 mph.

A Met Office spokesman said heavy rainfall and strong winds would continue into today.

“Heavy rain will move northwards today with further flooding likely. Heavy, thundery showers will then follow in from the south this afternoon. The winds will be strong too, with gales likely over coasts and hills in the west. Maximum Temperature 12 °C.

“The showers will continue tonight with some further heavy outbreaks. They will become more isolated towards dawn but the winds will stay strong around the coast

“Tuesday will start grey and cloudy with further showers expected. They will be heaviest and most frequent in the far west, where the winds will be strong too.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service warned drivers to avoid large pools of water: “Flood warnings being received please do not drive into flood water - contact your recovery company to recover vehicles and stay safe.”

South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust tweeted: “The weather conditions really are affecting driving conditions. Since yesterday we have received more than 60 calls involving crashes.”

Wiltshire Police have issued a list of safety tips for drivers travelling in wet conditions:

•Keep up-to-date with the weather forecast and road conditions before you set off on your journey

•Check that your vehicle is roadworthy

•Make sure you have full visibility before driving, taking time to de-mist and de-ice all windows

•Use your lights

•When the roads are wet it can take twice as long to stop your vehicle so slow down

•Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front

•In poor visibility be extra alert for hazards

•Carry warm waterproof clothing, a sleeping bag, food, water and a torch in your vehicle, in case weather conditions mean you have to stop

•Make sure you have plenty of fuel for your journey before you set off

•Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking and acceleration. If you start to skid, gently ease off the accelerator and avoid braking. If braking is necessary, pump the brakes, don't slam them on.

•Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged

•Poor weather conditions mean it can be harder for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists, so be vigilant and make sure you can be seen however you are travelling and wear high visibility clothing.