The Met Office now has a weather warning in place for several areas, including south Wales, on Wednesday, as up to 60mm of rain is expected to lash across the UK
Brits have been warned flooding is likely this week — as around half one month’s rainfall is expected to lash across the country in a few hours.
The Met Office has a weather warning in place for rain for Wednesday as up to 60mm (2.3inches) is anticipated to lash across the nation. It will be heaviest across south Wales, parts of the Southwest of England and the Midlands.
It rained heavily on Monday, particularly south Wales, so dozens of flood warnings are in place for this week. The Met Office says: “A period of rain, heavy at times, especially over high ground, will move east across this region during Wednesday. Coming off the back of recent very wet weather, some travel disruption and flooding is possible.
“There is a chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings. There is a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads.”
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Typically, Swansea sees around 115mm of rain across an average December. That figure is around 140mm in Cardiff, another city subject to the weather warning. Up to 60mm of rain is expected to fall during a few hours on Wednesday, a measure that equates to around half an average December total.
It will also rain heavily across parts of the Northwest of England, including Cumbria, on Wednesday night. The band of low pressure sweeps east, reaching parts of the East of England by Thursday morning.
“Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. 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. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.” the Met Office adds.
The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales has scores of flood warnings and alerts in place, such as one for River Towy, isolated properties between Llandeilo and Abergwili, in south Wales. There is also urgent concern for Dawlish Water at Dawlish, Devon and the River Crake Valley in the Lake District among other areas.
Forecasters say Thursday will be wet across most of southern England, notably Wiltshire and Hampshire. This bleak forecast after downpours on Monday, which saw more than 60mm of rain fall across Saint Athan, Glamorgan, and more than 55mm of rain batter Plymouth, Devon.
