Brits told to ‘get emergency kit ready’ as Met Office issues new weather warning | UK | News
Residents in 15 areas across the UK have been advised to create an “emergency” kit as the Met Office issues new weather warnings. Snow and ice warnings continue to affect large parts of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, prompting the national weather service to issue rain warnings.
The first yellow rain warning for Northern Ireland will be in force from 21:00 today and will remain in force until the same time tomorrow. People in County Antrim, County Armagh, County Down, County Fermanagh, County Londonderry and County Tyrone are at risk of flooding and power outages, the Met Office said.
Forecasts call for around 30mm of rain over wide areas and up to 60mm on higher ground. The Met Office has warned that melting existing snow could increase the potential for flooding in some areas.
A separate rain warning has been issued for southern parts of Scotland, affecting Dumfries and Galloway, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire from 2am until midnight tomorrow.
Up to 90mm of rain could fall on higher elevations, risking communities being isolated by flooding.
A third yellow rain warning has been declared in northern Scotland, covering Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Highland, Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire.
This warning is scheduled to begin at 2 a.m. tomorrow and will remain in effect until 10 a.m. Monday.
The Met Office is forecasting widespread rainfall of 60mm, with rainfall reaching 110mm in Skye, Lochaber, Argyll and the Trossachs. Additionally, melting snow also increases the risk of flooding.
All three warnings urge locals to create a “flood plan” and prepare an “emergency flood kit.”
They say: “If you are driving, give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions or bus and train schedules and changing your travel plans if necessary.
“People cope better with power outages when they prepare in advance. This is easy to do; consider packing flashlights, batteries, a cell phone power pack and other essential items.”
David Morgan, SEPA Flood Officer Manager, commented: “Snowmelt from Sunday will increase the risk of flooding as temperatures rise following recent cold conditions.
“Possible impacts include flooding of low-lying land, roads and individual properties.”
