The Met Office has named 37 UK areas at risk of snow or flooding before Saturday as a bout of unsettled weather sweeps the country.

An amber warning for rain is in force until 6pm today covering large swathes of Scotland, with households warned that heavy downpours are likely to cause flooding and travel disruption, with fast flowing and deep floodwater likely, causing a possible danger to life. Up to 80mm of rain is expected widely, reaching as much as 120mm over higher ground, which could lead to some areas being cut off due to flooded roads.

Several separate yellow weather warnings for rain are also in force on Thursday and Friday, covering parts of South West England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

While the forecast for Thursday and Friday is mostly wet and windy for many areas, rain will be heaviest and most persistent in Scotland, where possible snow is also on the cards.

In its yellow warning, the Met office said: “Given the nature of the ground following recent rain and snow thaw, this may lead to some flooding in places. Rainfall totals will be smaller in coastal areas, but strong onshore winds and large waves at times will be additional hazards.

“In addition, rain will fall increasingly as snow over high ground, especially on Thursday and into Friday, adding to the uncertainty as to how quickly rivers may respond downstream.”

Households in the areas covered by the weather warnings are advised to prepare a flood plan and an emergency flood kit to help protect their property from damage.

In a flood kit, Met Office advice recommends including insurance documents and list of contact numbers, a torch, spare batteries, a first aid kit, any prescription medicines, warm waterproof clothes and blankets, bottled water and snacks, a battery or wind-up radio, and supplies for looking after your baby or pet.

The 37 areas covered by a yellow or amber weather warning and at risk of snow or flooding before Saturday include the following: