The Met Office has issued an amber warning for heavy rain, indicating potential flooding and travel disruptions across extensive areas of the UK. The alert applies to central England from 6 pm on Thursday until 6 am on Friday. Some regions may experience nearly three inches of rainfall within several hours, causing rivers to rise even after the rain ends.
Previously, the Met Office had issued several yellow weather warnings from 6 am on Thursday until 9 am on Friday. These warnings cover western parts of Northern Ireland, northern England, and a large portion of England and Wales.
The Met Office stated that slow-moving showers and thunderstorms would develop in the afternoon, merging into a large band of heavy rain in the evening, eventually moving south overnight. Central and eastern parts of the warning area could see 30-40mm of rain in three hours or less, and possibly 50-60mm or more in around six hours. This rainfall will exacerbate the already saturated ground, impacting communities still recovering from recent floods.
Outbreaks of heavy rain continue to move southwards this morning across parts of England and Wales, stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/4wrjX3cIJe
— Met Office (@metoffice) September 27, 2024
The forecaster warned of likely travel disruptions, further flooding, and rising river levels post-rain. Delays and cancellations in train and bus services, power outages, road closures, and the possibility of communities being cut off due to flooding are expected.
The Environment Agency has issued 30 flood warnings across England, indicating imminent flooding, and 85 flood alerts, suggesting possible flooding. Heavy rain and thunderstorms have already caused flooding in approximately 385 properties in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Kent, and the Home Counties.
Kate Marks, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, mentioned that continued rainfall into the weekend could lead to significant river and surface water flooding in parts of central England, with minor river flooding impacts possible in northeast England.
Met Office forecaster Paul Gundersen noted that the rain on Wednesday and Thursday might fall on already saturated ground, increasing the risk of impacts. The rain is predicted to clear by Friday, leading to colder conditions by Saturday.
Parts of the country experienced more than the monthly average rainfall on Monday, resulting in flash floods that damaged homes and disrupted travel. Additional downpours occurred on Wednesday evening.
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BBC reports on Dominique Pelicot’s admission to drugging his wife and recruiting men to abuse her, highlighting a shocking case of mass rape in France.(read more)
- Express.co.uk reports on a rare 12-hour amber weather warning issued by the Met Office, warning of heavy rain and potential flooding across the Midlands and south, urging caution for drivers and residents.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
When is the amber warning for heavy rain in central England?
From 6pm Thursday until 6am Friday.
How much rain could fall in the worst-affected areas?
Nearly three inches over several hours.
What areas are covered by the yellow weather warnings?
Western Northern Ireland, northern England, and most of England and Wales.
What are the potential impacts of the heavy rain?
Travel disruption, further flooding, power cuts, and road closures.
How many flood warnings and alerts are in place across England?
30 flood warnings and 85 flood alerts.
