Met Office issues weather warnings with flooding possible

Various weather warnings are in place across the UK as heavy rains can bring the risk of flooding.

The Met Office has issued a series of yellow and one amber weather warning for rain covering parts of the country on Monday and Tuesday.

The amber rain warning covers much of South Wales, stretching from St David’s on the west coast to Chepstow in the east to the border with Llandovery in the north.

The warning will be in force from 3am to 9pm on Monday and the Met Office predicts heavy rain could lead to travel disruption and flooding.

The Met Office said: “Heavy rain is expected across south and south-west Wales on Monday.

“50 to 80mm of rain is likely to fall over a fairly wide area, with some places looking closer to 100mm. Given the recent wet weather and saturated ground, impact is more likely.”

Stating that there is a high probability of homes and workplaces being flooded, the report included the following statements: “The water is likely to flow fast or be deep, which may be life-threatening.”

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A yellow warning overlaps the amber area but extends further north to Llanwrtyd Wells.

Yellow rain warnings are in place all over the country. One of these covers much of northwest England, north Wales and the Midlands, as well as parts of Yorkshire. It has been in effect since 18:00 on Saturday and will remain in force until 23:59 on Monday.

Similarly, the South West is covered by a yellow warning from Taunton to the Devon and Cornish coasts until 11.59pm on Monday.

The yellow rain warning covering Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd and Powys in Wales will remain in force from 6pm on Sunday until 3pm on Monday.

There is also a warning in place for north-east England, Darlington and County Durham, from 6am on Monday until 3am on Tuesday.

A yellow rain warning will be in place from 10am to 11.59pm on Wednesday, covering south Wales and south-west England, as well as parts of the West Midlands.

Regarding the warnings, the Met Office says: “A number of severe weather warnings have been issued for rain as it continues throughout the weekend and into the beginning of next week. Yellow rain warnings have been issued for South Wales and Cumbria, where accumulations are particularly notable, with potentially over 200mm of rain in 48 hours.”

“More generally, a total of 40 to 70 mm is likely, with over 100 mm possible over the high ground of western Britain and up to 50 mm over the high ground of Northern Ireland.”

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Jonathan Day, the Environment Agency’s flood task manager, said: “Significant surface water flood impacts are possible in some areas of the north of England on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

“There may also be significant river flooding in parts of northern England on Sunday and Monday, with wider minor flood impacts across northern England over the weekend.

“Environment Agency teams are taking action to reduce the impact of flooding and support affected communities. We urge people not to drive through floodwater; water is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.”

Met Office’s five-day forecast for England

Monday:

Heavy rain will continue for most of the day in northern England, Wales and south-west England. Flooding is possible in places. Dry off elsewhere with the best of the sunniest moments in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Breezy and mild in the south.

Monday night:

Rain will continue across parts of England and Wales this evening and gradually move eastwards overnight. Dry elsewhere with clear spells. There will be a partial frost event in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Tuesday:

Scattered rain is gradually clearing the east of England towards the morning. A dry, bright day for many in north-west Scotland, with a few showers. I feel colder than last time.

Outlook from Wednesday to Friday:

Wet and windy weather will prevail once again until Wednesday and will continue until Thursday. Friday is drier and brighter, but with scattered showers. Temperatures near average, mild in the far south.