Met Office issues fresh ‘danger to life’ warning as part of UK brace for 13cm of rain
The Met Office has issued a strict warning of danger to life in parts of the north of England and south-west Scotland this weekend as fast-flowing or deep floodwaters are expected from sustained heavy rainfall.
There is a high probability of flooding of homes and businesses in these areas, and “very heavy and continuous rain” is expected to continue until Sunday and Monday.
A new amber rain warning has been issued on Saturday, specifically targeting south-west Scotland including Dumfries and Galloway, the Lothian borders and Strathclyde. Some areas in this warning zone may experience rainfall between 110 and 130 mm.
The Met Office said between 50mm and 70mm of rain would fall across much of the warning area, but strong winds were “likely to make conditions worse”.
The warning will begin at midnight on Sunday and last until 23.59 the same day.
A rain warning has been issued for Cumbria, lasting from 6am on Sunday until 6pm on Monday.
More than 200mm of rain could accumulate in some places, particularly in western parts of the region, the Met said.
Those in areas covered by yellow rain warnings should avoid floodwaters as much as possible. The forecaster said it is not safe to drive, walk or swim in floodwaters.
The forecaster added that people affected by fast-flowing or deep floodwater should call 999 and wait for help.
People should also prepare to avoid road travel as conditions are expected to become “potentially hazardous” due to flooding.
The destruction will likely lead to power outages, and some communities will lose power due to flooded roads.
The Met Office has advised residents in affected areas to prepare a flood kit containing insurance and other important documents, a flashlight and spare batteries, a first aid kit and prescription medications.
The Met Office said the kit should also include items to care for family members or pets, as well as warm and waterproof clothing, blankets, food and water.
Various yellow alerts for rain are also in place between Saturday and Monday in parts of Scotland, the north of England including Derbyshire, Durham and Northumberland, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire, parts of Wales and Northern Ireland.
