Households urged to ‘prepare a flood kit’ before Sunday | Weather | News
The Met Office has issued advice to households that may be at risk of flooding this weekend after issuing an amber warning and several yellow alerts for heavy rain in areas across the country. The national weather agency said those who may be vulnerable to flooding caused by heavy rain can prepare a “flood kit” to protect against “loss or damage from flooding your home or business.”
Flooding and travel disruptions are possible in parts of western Scotland and northwest England, as well as Northern Ireland and Wales, between Saturday and Monday due to “heavy and persistent rain”. The forecaster warned the washout would likely lead to power outages, flooding and travel delays.
Yellow weather warnings will be in place from Saturday afternoon and there is a chance of more than 100mm of rainfall. Cumbria will remain under a yellow weather warning for 36 hours from Sunday morning until Monday afternoon. Rain will fall in western Scotland late on Saturday morning, with winds of up to 60-70 miles per hour expected in coastal areas. Weather warnings were also issued for north Wales, the north-west of England, western Scotland and Northern Ireland on Sunday.
Scroll down for information on flood preparedness, according to the Met Office…
4. Prepare a flood kit
Consider creating an emergency flood kit that includes essential items to help you cope with a flood, including:
- List of insurance documents and contact numbers
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- First aid kit and prescription medications
- Warm waterproof clothing and blankets
- Bottled water and snacks
- Battery operated or wind up radio
- Necessary supplies to care for your baby or pet
- Make sure everyone knows where to find this kit and what to do in case of flooding.
5. Flood protection equipment
Consider flood-proofing your property. To reduce flood damage, you can install tile instead of carpet, move electrical outlets higher up the wall, and install check valves. If you know you live in an area at risk of flooding, you may want to consider installing some flood protection products:
- Flood boards – can be fixed to your doors and windows
- Plastic caps to cover air bricks
- sandbags
Tonight and Tonight:
The clouds and rain in the south-east are clearing and patchy fog and frost in southern England and Wales leaving a clear night for most people. Showers will drift northwestward, accompanied by strong winds and possibly thunder.
Saturday:
Persistent, heavy rain is moving northwestward throughout Saturday, with coastal storms locally severe. Further southeast it is dry and sunny, with light winds but a cooler day than late.
Outlook from Sunday to Tuesday:
Heavy rain continues in the northwest on Sunday; The southeast is drier, but cloudier and windier than Saturday. Starting next week, the rain will gradually move towards the southeast and will be followed by showers.
