Met Office weather warning ‘homes are at risk’ | Weather | News
Britons were given a stark warning this week about impending floods; Nearly half a month’s worth of rainfall will ravage the country in just a few hours.
The Met Office issued a weather warning for rain on Wednesday, with up to 60mm (2.3in) expected to hit the country. Flooding will be worst in south Wales, parts of south-west England and the Midlands.
Significant showers on Monday, particularly affecting South Wales, have led to multiple flood warnings being put in place over the coming days. According to the Met Office:
“On Wednesday, occasionally heavy rains, especially in higher places, will move eastward across this region.
“Following the recent very rainy weather, it is possible that there may be some disruption in travel and flooding.
“There is a possibility that homes and businesses will be flooded and some buildings may be damaged. There is also a possibility that some communities will be cut off due to flooded roads.”
Normally, Swansea experiences around 115mm of rainfall during a typical December. Cardiff, another place under a weather warning, typically gets around 140mm of weather over the same period.
The 60mm of rainfall expected in just a few hours on Wednesday represents roughly half of December’s average total.
Heavy showers will also hit parts of north-west England, including Cumbria, on Wednesday evening. The low pressure system will move eastwards and affect parts of eastern England on Thursday morning.
“Check whether your property is at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and emergency flood kit.
“If you’re 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 gathering flashlights, batteries, cell phone power pack and other essential items.” The Met Office adds.
The Environment Agency Wales and the Natural Resources Agency have issued numerous flood warnings and alerts across the country, including for the River Towy affecting isolated properties between Llandeilo and Abergwili in south Wales.
Critical concerns also remain regarding Dawlish Water at Dawlish in Devon and the Crake River Valley in the Lake District, among other areas.
Weather experts are predicting wet conditions across much of the south of England on Thursday, particularly affecting Wiltshire and Hampshire.
The bleak outlook follows Monday’s floods, which brought more than 60mm of rain to Saint Athan in Glamorgan and more than 55mm to Plymouth in Devon.
