UK weather: Urgent flood warnings as wind & rain hit Britain – after drivers forced to abandon cars
BRITS have been urged to stay safe as more than 30 flood warnings were issued across the UK today.
Heavy rain this week has wreaked havoc and traffic chaos as drivers were forced to abandon their cars after becoming submerged under floodwater yesterday.
Concerning photos yesterday revealed vehicles stranded under murky water in South London after roads were lashed with torrential downpours through the night.
And, today there are 34 flood alerts in place, where disruption is expected, across the East Midlands, Somerset, Dorset, and York.
Three alerts have been issued along the River Ouse, which burst its banks on Sunday last week due to stormy weather.
In addition there are another six warnings along the River Severn, and five down the banks of the River Trent.
Plus, there are still 139 active flood alerts where flooding is possible – not expected.
Meteorologist Clare Nasir said in the Met Office morning forecast: “Through today we watch as rain clears many areas but lingers on towards more eastern counties of England.
“First thing you’ll see some showers across the north and west of Scotland, quite a breeze here.
“More rain extends from border regions, right the way down across England and Wales.
“Northern Ireland seeing broken cloud first this with one or two showers.
“We hang on to dry conditions anywhere from Essex, Suffolk, down to Kent but a cold morning.
“Through the morning rain will clear northern England and then Wales, so drier conditions into the afternoon.”
There will be sunny spells later in the day on across eastern counties of England and Wales as the band of rain clears.
Temperatures are set to hover around 8C, with warmer figures expected to be felt in Scotland and Northern Ireland in the morning.
Meanwhile highs of 12C are predicted on the south west coast by the afternoon.
Today’s rain comes after days of yellow warnings for heavy downpours this week.
Brits were warned to brace for travel chaos as well as flooding on roads and of homes.
Last week, Storm Elin lashed Britain with 70mph winds as large swathes of the country were covered with yellow weather warnings.
Meanwhile, the Met Office’s long-range forecast suggests there is a chance of snow in the lead up to Christmas.
The forecast reads: “It now looks probable that there will be at least one short-lived colder interlude next week, with a period of north or northwesterly winds that could bring some snow and ice, especially in the north.”
