Storm Boris flooding may hit Italy as Portugal wildfires blaze - live

Severe floods could impact Italy as 'extreme rainfall' expected

Italy has been put on high alert after the country's weather service warned of heavy rainfall and possible flooding in the north of the country as Storm Boris batters Europe.

Portugal battles wildfires amid heatwave

Firefighters in Portugal are battling wildfires across the country amid a heatwave which has seen temperatures soar into the 40s. The country's Civil Protection Agency said 13 major fires were ongoing, while more than 1,000 firefighters were tackling the blazes.

The fires have destroyed thousands of hectares of land and forced the evacuation of several villages. In the southern Algarve region, a popular tourist destination, authorities were forced to close several beaches due to smoke from the fires.

The heatwave in Portugal is expected to continue for the next few days, with temperatures forecast to reach 45C in some areas.

UK issues amber weather warnings for Storm Boris

The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings for parts of the UK as Storm Boris is set to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the country.

The amber warning is in place for south-west England and Wales, with the Met Office warning of "widespread flooding" and disruption to travel.

The storm is expected to hit the UK on Tuesday, with winds of up to 80mph expected in coastal areas. The Met Office has warned that the storm could cause "significant disruption" to travel and power supplies.

France braces for Storm Boris

France is also bracing for the impact of Storm Boris, with the country's weather service warning of heavy rain and strong winds.

The storm is expected to hit France on Tuesday night, with the worst of the weather expected in the north-west of the country.

The French weather service has warned of flooding and power cuts as Storm Boris passes through.

Other countries on high alert for Storm Boris

Other countries across Europe are also on high alert for Storm Boris, with heavy rain and strong winds expected in many areas.

The storm is expected to hit Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark on Wednesday.

The European Severe Weather Database has warned that Storm Boris could be one of the most powerful storms to hit Europe in recent years.