LONDON (AP) -- Heavy rains and gusty winds are causing more problems for residents in large swaths of Britain. Officials say 5,500 homes in Scotland lost power Wednesday as gale-force winds hit.

About 3,000 homes in England and Wales were also reported to be without electricity.

However, the number of "severe" flood warnings has dropped as many rivers in northern England are receding from record-high levels.

Environmental officials warn that the ground remains heavily saturated, making it likely that more rains could quickly lead to flooding.

Officials also asked the public to stay away from parts of Tadcaster, 205 miles (330 kilometers) north of London, where a bridge said to date from around 1700 collapsed on Tuesday because of rising water in the River Wharfe.