The country continues to face a persistent rainy spell
The country continues to face a persistent rainy spell
More than 200 flood alerts are in place across the UK, according to the Environment Agency. It comes as the Met Office forecasts further heavy rain for the country.
The agency said on its website that “local inland flooding is probable for the South and West of England on Monday, and possible on Tuesday. Local inland flooding is possible more widely until Wednesday. Land, roads and properties could flood and there could be travel disruption.”
The agency has issued 114 flood warnings across England, up from 89, while a further six are in place in Scotland. There are also 215 flood alerts, plus seven in Wales and two in Scotland. A flood warning means flooding is expected, and an alert means flooding is possible.
A yellow weather warning for rain is in place across parts of London and South East England, South West England and Wales today. The alert is active from 12pm this afternoon until 11.59pm this evening. The Met Office said: “Heavy rain during Monday afternoon and evening may cause some flooding and disruption to travel.”
Further detail said: “Bands of rain and heavy showers will move east across southern parts of England and Wales during Monday afternoon and evening. 10-15 mm of rain is likely fairly widely with 20-30 mm in some places exposed to the strong south to southeasterly winds.”
The Met Office said you should check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. It warned to expect some chance of interruption to power supplies and other services.
You should give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
The UK continues to face a persistent rainy spell, after the Met Office confirmed last week that rain had been recorded on every day of the year so far. Three named storms struck the UK in January, bringing floods and travel disruptions.
The flood forecast for the next five days shared by the Met Office and Environment Agency, said: “Ongoing flooding from groundwater is probable for Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and West Sussex over the next five days, and from rivers across Somerset. Local river flooding is probable for the River Severn over the next five days, and the Rivers Trent and Soar until Tuesday.
“Properties will flood and there will be travel disruption. Local inland flooding is probable for the South and West of England on Monday, and possible on Tuesday. Local inland flooding is possible more widely from yesterday (Sunday) until Wednesday. Land, roads and properties could flood and there could be travel disruption.”
The Environment Agency said if your area has a flood warning (when flooding is expected) or severe flood warning (when there’s a danger to life):
- turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies, if it’s safe to do so – do not touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water
- move your family, vehicles, pets and important items to safety, for example upstairs or to higher ground
- if you have them, use flood protection products, for example flood barriers or air brick covers
- follow advice from your local council or the emergency services – you may be asked to evacuate
You can get further advice on what to do and how to stay safe during a flood from the National Flood Forum or the British Red Cross. You can also speak to a Floodline adviser. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, you can ring 999.
- Weather
- In The News
