UK weather has taken a swift turn as the balmy days of last weekend are behind us as torrential rain and flood warnings are put in place by Met Office forecasters
Brits hoping for sunshine this Easter are in for a soggy shock as the Met Office has issued an urgent weather warning for heavy rain, flooding, and travel chaos for the bank holiday weekend.
Forecasters say a deluge is heading our way, with a massive low-pressure system sweeping across the UK, bringing torrential downpours, strong winds, and the very real risk of homes and roads going under. Weather maps show up to 75mm of rain, approximately a month’s worth, is expected to fall in just 48 hours over parts of England and Wales.
The yellow weather alert, which is already in force, covers swathes of western England and Wales, including Cornwall, Devon, Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, parts of Cheshire, and Merseyside.
Locals in these areas are being told to brace for floods, power cuts, and a weekend of weather-related misery.
“Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures,” warned the Met Office. “Public transport may be affected, with delays and cancellations possible.”
The Environment Agency has issued multiple flood alerts across England, with forecasters keeping a close eye on rivers and low-lying land at risk of being swamped.
There are still hopes for a sunny Easter weekend for a minority, with temperatures hitting the mid teens across the south west and midlands, including highs of 16C in London, on Friday and Saturday.
It’s terrible timing as millions prepare to hit the road for Easter getaways.
The RAC has already warned that major routes could be gridlocked as people head off in search of some much-needed spring fun, only to be met with traffic jams and lashing rain.
Friday is expected to be one of the busiest travel days of the year so far, with drivers warned to expect double the usual journey times on popular routes.
Holidaymakers heading to the West Country and the Lakes are being told to pack wellies, and plenty of patience.
The weather is expected to stay unsettled right through the long weekend, with yet more rain arriving on Thursday and another wet weather front crashing in on Friday.
This comes just a week after people across the country were basking in the sunshine, swarming parks and beaches.
If you were hoping for a BBQ or an Easter egg hunt in the garden, you might want to rethink your plans. Stay indoors, stock up on chocolate – and maybe keep an eye on your drains.
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