LONDON (AP) — The British government will hold a rare Christmas Day ministerial meeting to deal with the continuing flooding in parts of the country.

Officials said Friday the government's Cobra committee will convene because of the anticipated flooding. The group usually deals with national security threats but also copes with public safety issues.

Heavy rain is forecast in parts of Britain on Friday evening and flood alerts have been issued in a number of locations. The worst flooding is expected in northern England, which has been hard hit in recent weeks. Up to six inches (15.2 centimeters) of rain is expected in Cumbria, which has already had the wettest December since records began in 1910.

The government's Met Office forecaster says some flooding of homes, businesses and transport systems is possible.