Met Office issues fresh rain warnings in parts of UK hit by Storm Chandra flooding
The Met Office has issued new weather warnings for rain in south-west England after the region was hit by flooding during Storm Chandra earlier this week.
More rainfall is forecast in Cornwall and Devon on Monday and Tuesday, less than a week after adverse weather forced schools to close and transport disruptions.
The yellow weather warning will be in effect from noon on February 2 until 9am the next day, and the forecaster warned that homes and businesses were unlikely to be flooded, while deep floodwaters could be life-threatening.
A yellow rain alert is in place for Devon and Cornwall on Friday and will last until 6am on Saturday for the area from Land’s End to Exeter.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Rebekah Hicks said: “We will see further rain over the next few days in parts of the country already affected by flooding, with saturated ground adding to the ongoing possibility of some disruption caused by impending rain.
“The totals we expect are not comparable to Storm Chandra, but a possible storm of around 25mm each day in parts of the Yellow warning areas could be enough to cause difficult travel conditions and further flooding in some places.”
Meanwhile, the RNLI is warning people to be careful near the coasts of Devon and Cornwall due to the potential for 15ft waves to surge towards offshore beaches and overtop sea fronts and harbor walls.
Steve Instance, from the charity, said: “Current forecasts for Friday predict wave heights to be between 10ft and 15ft, which is not unusual for this time of year, but what makes it particularly concerning is the long period of lull or rise between waves.
“Surf forecasts call for a 17-second surge period. This appears to be a gap between groups of very large, very strong waves lasting up to 15 minutes.
“This may mean that people walking on the beach or seaside, particularly at high tide in the middle of the day, will be faced with sudden waves rising from 200 meters to 300 meters on the beach or passing over sea or harbor walls.
“There is a risk that this could carry walkers out and, in the worst case scenario, sweep them off their feet and into the sea.”
On Wednesday Somerset Council said an estimated 50 properties were affected by flooding in Ilminster, West Coker, Taunton, Mudford and West Camel.
The Levels Flooding Action Group (Flag), which has long campaigned for improvements to drainage and flood mitigation on the Somerset Levels, is calling for improvements to the pump station at Northmoor.
Meanwhile, yellow rainfall warnings are in place for seven counties in the Republic and all counties in Northern Ireland.
Met Eireann has extended the rain warning and it will be in force from midday to midnight for counties Dublin, Carlow, Kilkenny, Louth, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow.
A yellow level rain warning is in effect in Northern Ireland until 6pm on Friday, bringing the risk of further flooding and disruption to travel.
Five-day weather forecast:
Today:
It is quite cloudy and windy, the rain moving towards the north is bringing snow to some of the hills in the north. Although heavy rain and strong winds come from the south and west in the afternoon, it is brighter in the south for a short time. I feel quite cold in the north.
Tonight:
Rain or showers are affecting many parts of the country, with some violent outbursts in the southwest. There may be some dry periods, especially towards the northwest where local frost is possible.
Saturday:
Mostly cloudy, perhaps with a few bright spells in the east. Light rain and drizzle are possible almost everywhere. Heavy rain and showers in the southwest are slowly moving northward.
Outlook from Sunday to Tuesday:
We are undecided on Sunday and will start next week. Heavy rains or prolonged heavy rains affect most regions, occasionally accompanied by strong winds. Snow continues in the northern hills.
More to follow…
