UK weather: Month’s worth of rain to fall in 24 hours as Met Office issues flood warnings
Nearly a month’s worth of rain is expected across England on Monday, with dozens of flood warnings issued in many areas.
South Wales will experience most of the bad weather; A yellow rain alert will be issued until 21:00 in the evening and it is stated that “fast flowing or deep flood waters are possible” and “danger to life” is reasonable.
Yellow rain warnings will be in force until 21:00 in parts of the south-west and north-west of England, as well as central and northern Wales. A similar warning for south-west Scotland will end at midnight.
Up to 120mm of rain could fall in the highest part of Wales, forecasters say. The meteorology expects an increase of 20 to 40 mm over a wider area and 80 mm in some areas in other hilly parts of the country.
Met Office chief forecaster Rebekah Hicks said: “Heavy rain will fall over South Wales late Sunday and into Monday. Although rainfall amounts will vary, the largest accumulations are expected to be at the highest ground in South Wales and could reach 100 to 120mm throughout the day. 60 to 80mm is likely for many hills within the Amber warning area, while those at lower levels should see around 20 to 40mm throughout the day.”
“Wider yellow warnings for rain have also been issued for south-west and north-west England, central and northern Wales and south-west Scotland, where disruptions may also occur throughout the day.”
A British Geological Survey spokesman said the amount of rain expected on Monday had previously triggered landslides in Wales.
Wales had previously seen around 240mm of rain this month; The November average was normally 162 mm. England and Wales combined have 143 per cent of the norm, according to meteorologists.
The Met Office said on Monday it could be “a significant event for many” and that its impact was likely to be more significant as the ground was already saturated.
Met Office senior operational meteorologist Marco Petagna said on Friday: “All regions have seen above-normal rainfall, with Scotland and Northern Ireland far from the south-west of Scotland becoming tomorrow’s issue.”
“This is mostly parts of England and Wales; many areas have already seen well above normal rainfall with a few more inches to come.
“No warnings are expected today after tomorrow, partly because we don’t want to be distracted from what could be important for many people tomorrow, and at this stage on Tuesday and Wednesday the weather is generally not as effective, brighter, showerier.”
The amber rain warning stated that “heavy rain on Monday may cause some disruptions and possible flooding.”
“In addition to the potential for flooding impacts, this increases the likelihood of landslides on both natural and infrastructure slopes,” he added.
“Heavy rain will be accompanied by strong winds from south to southwest, and storms are also possible on the coasts and in high places.”
Homes and offices may be flooded, and public transportation may experience some power outages and cancellations. Some communities may be stranded on waterlogged roads and people may be told to quickly move to higher ground if their homes or local areas are flooded.
Natural Resources Wales has issued 38 alerts warning people in Wales to be prepared for possible flooding.
The Environment Agency has issued five flood warnings and 44 alerts suggesting flooding is possible.
