Met Office issue yellow warning for rain - a week after Storm Goretti
Heavy rain may cause surface flooding across parts of England and Wales this Thursday
Parts of England and Wales are being warned of heavy rain this Thursday, 15th January, which could lead to surface flooding in certain areas.
According to the Met Office, a deepening area of low pressure will move northeastward across England and Wales during the day, bringing persistent and heavy rainfall. Accumulations of 20-40 mm of rain are anticipated in many locations, falling in a few hours. Some isolated areas, particularly in the southwest of England, could experience 40-70 mm of rainfall.
With the ground already saturated, surface water flooding may become likely, particularly in the regions of London and South East England, South West England, Wales, and the West Midlands.
How will it affect travel?
Travel disruptions are to be expected, with bus and train services potentially affected and journey times taking longer. Spray and minor flooding on roads may also contribute to delays for drivers.
To minimise disruption, checking current road conditions and transport schedules before travelling is advised. If possible, amending travel plans in advance could reduce delays.
Advice for staying safe
The Met Office recommends taking precautions by preparing flood plans if your property may be at risk. Creating an emergency flood kit can help in case flooding does occur.
It may also be prudent to gather essentials needed for potential power cuts, like torches, batteries, and portable phone chargers. Regularly monitoring the forecast is encouraged, as weather warnings may evolve over time.
Areas to prepare for the warning
This yellow weather warning applies to regions across London and South East England, South West England, Wales, and the West Midlands. Affected areas include:
- Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Oxfordshire, Portsmouth, Southampton, Surrey, West Berkshire, and West Sussex.
- Bath and North East Somerset, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Plymouth, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Torbay, and Wiltshire.
- Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, and Vale of Glamorgan.
- Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
The warning, issued on Tuesday 13th January, has been classified as medium likelihood with low impact, according to the Met Office impact matrix.
Keep track of updates from official weather sources and prepare accordingly.