Storm Jonas, the massive snowstorm that has killed 19 people in the US, is set to strike Britain next week.
Forecasters warned the killer blizzard, which shut down New York and Washington on Saturday, is crossing the Atlantic, triggering fears of heavy downpours and flooding in the UK.
The Met Office said the weather system could hit Britain on Tuesday and has issued a severe flood warning covering most of Wales, north-west England and west Scotland.
A Met spokesman said: “An active cold front is expected to become slow-moving across Wales, north-west England and south and west Scotland through Tuesday, and into Wednesday, before clearing to the south on Wednesday afternoon.
"Warm air of tropical origins is expected to be entrained into the system, leading to abundant moisture and heavy rain.
"Many parts of the warning area could see 50-100 mm of rain, whilst the most exposed upland parts of north Wales, north-west England and south-west Scotland could see 150-200 mm.
"As such, there is the potential for river flooding, and also standing water on roads. Strong and gusty south-west winds will also develop."
In the US, parts of the east coast have been blanketed in 2ft of snow as Storm Jonas swept across the county.
Eleven states declared a state of emergency as the weather brought major cities to a standstill while thousands of flights were cancelled, including dozens from the UK.
According to reports, 19 people have died in the US storm while thousands of homes were without power on Saturday.
Additional reporting by PA
