Weekend washout! Dozens of flood alerts in place throughout UK as Met Office points ‘hazard to life’ climate warning in south Wales amid heavy rainfall
Dozens of flood alerts are in place across the UK, as the Met Office issues a ‘danger to life’ weather warning in south Wales amid heavy rainfall.
The amber weather warning will come into force in south Wales from the early hours of Monday morning, set to last throughout the day with heavy rain expected until early on Tuesday.
Yellow warnings for rain have also been issued for the southwest and northwest of England, as well as central and northern parts of Wales.
The Environment Agency currently has 35 flood alerts in place for rivers in England, and Natural Resources Wales has an additional 10 in force.
It comes following a wet weekend for many, after a yellow warning for rain was issued in eastern parts of England on Saturday, including the east Midlands, north east England, Yorkshire and Humber.
It was predicted that up to 30mm of rain could fall, with as much as 60mm possible over higher ground.
A second yellow warning for ice has also been issued in northern parts of England, running overnight and into Sunday morning.
Despite a respite from the rain on Sunday with mostly dry conditions across the UK, wet weather is expected to return overnight and into Monday.
It comes weeks after parts of Monmouth were left underwater due to flooding
An amber warning covering south Wales has been issued by the Met Office
A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued further north in the UK
Rainfall in some parts of south Wales is predicted to reach 100 to 120mm throughout the day.
Meanwhile, up to 40mm is expected to fall in Derbyshire, north west England, and Yorkshire and Humber.
Higher parts of Exmoor, Dorset, the Mendips and Cotswolds could see up to 50mm.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone said: ‘Heavy rain will move over south Wales from late Sunday and through Monday.
‘Whilst rainfall amounts will vary, the largest accumulations are expected over the highest ground in south Wales and could reach 100-120mm through the day.
’60-80mm is most likely for many hills within the Amber warning area, while those to lower levels should see around 20-40mm through the day.
‘Wider yellow warnings for rain have also been issued for the southwest and northwest of England, as well as central and northern parts of Wales with disruption also possible in these areas through the day.’
The warnings highlight the risk of potential flooding, travel disruption and power cuts.
In the amber warning zone, there are risks of fast flowing or deep water, which could cause a danger to life.
The forecast has prompted Natural Resources Wales to urge people to prepare for possible flooding.
Parts of Monmouth were left underwater after the River Monnow broke its banks
Emergency services help people stricken on a flooded street in Monmouth
A woman sweeps water away from a coffee shop after severe flooding caused by Storm Claudia
Richard Preece, Natural Resources Wales’s Duty Tactical Manager, said: ‘We are asking people to be alert for potential flooding with heavy rain predicted overnight on Sunday into Monday morning, especially in parts of South Wales.
‘With some rivers already swollen and the ground saturated, we expect to see a number of flood alerts and warnings issued. We also expect the rain to cause surface water issues.
‘We’re urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations for potential flooding now.
‘We also want to remind people to keep away from swollen riverbanks and not to drive or walk through flood waters as you don’t know what lies beneath.
‘If flooding is forecast in your area, we want to make sure people are doing all they can to keep themselves safe. Think about preparing a flood kit with any important documents and medication, moving your car to higher ground and moving treasured possessions upstairs or to a higher place.’
It comes just weeks after Storm Claudia battered the UK, leaving parts of Monmouth, south-east Wales, underwater after the River Monnow broke its banks.
Residents were dramatically rescued or evacuated from their homes after the overnight floods, leading to the declaration of a major incident in the area.
