Nearly 250 flood warnings and alerts are in place in England and Wales, 24 of them severe, signalling a risk to life

Britain’s government said Sunday it will send more troops to tackle ‘unprecedented’ flooding in northern England which has forced hundreds to flee their homes, including in the historic tourist city of York.

Prime Minister David Cameron made the announcement after hosting a conference call of the emergency COBRA committee on the floods, which have caused chaos during the post-Christmas holiday period.

Nearly 250 flood warnings and alerts are in place in England and Wales, 24 of them severe, signalling a risk to life. The army has already been deployed in recent days in some areas.

More rain was expected Sunday, although it was not expected to be as severe as the damage caused by Storm Eva on Saturday.

“More troops are being deployed as part of a plan to do whatever is needed,” Cameron wrote on Twitter after the COBRA call to discuss what he said was “unprecedented” flooding.

The latest floods come three weeks after another part of northern England, Cumbria, was badly hit by Storm Desmond.

Highlighting their scale, Tim Peake, who is the first British astronaut on the International Space Station, wrote on Twitter: “Passed over the UK today – thoughts are with all those affected by flooding in northern England.”

Related articles across the web

• Tim Peake: UK astronaut blasts off into orbit, will wait hours before arriving at International Space Station
• Elton John got the most chill Twitter reply from astronaut Tim Peake in Space
• When will Tim Peake fly over Newcastle in the International Space Station?
• WATCH LIVE: British astronaut Tim Peake has successfully docked at the ISS
• A Real 'Rocket Man' Tweets With Elton John
• First day in space for British astronaut Tim Peake after his dramatic blast-off
• Twitter Moments' UK launch aims to turn noise into news
• UK astronaut Tim Peake puts space back on agenda in Britain
• Tim Peake on the International Space Station: Catch the first glimpse of ISS with British astronaut on board
• VIDEO: Highlights of Tim Peake's journey to ISS