UK weather: Met Office warns of power cuts & flooding as sheet of heavy rain set to batter Brits – is your area hit?

POWER cuts and flooding could wreak havoc today as forecasters warn of heavy rain across swathes of Britain.

A yellow weather warning covering much of the country has been in place since 6pm yesterday, and lasts until 12pm today.

Bav MediaVehicles going through the flooded A1101 on the Norfolk-Cambridge border on Sunday[/caption]

A yellow weather rain warning covering much of the country has been in place since 6pm yesterday, lasting until 12pm today

The Met Office warns that spells of heavy rain may lead to some travel disruption and flooding in places.

There is a chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses, forecasters say.

And there is a “small chance” that some communities will be temporarily cut off by flooded roads

Homes and businesses may also be flooded, causing damage to some buildings

Where flooding occurs, this could mean delays or cancellations to train and bus services.

The miserable weather may also lead to difficult driving conditions and road closures.

Swathes of North West England, Wales, South West England and the West Midlands are covered by the yellow weather warning.

It stretches from Manchester in the north down through Cardiff, and covers Plymouth in the south.

Areas of heavy rain are expected to develop and push north across the warning area, the Met Office warns.

Many places will see around 10-20 mm of rain, but there is a chance some locations may see considerably more than this over a six-hour period, most likely parts of southwest England and south Wales.

A few places may see 50-80 mm of rain fall in 6 hours.

Isolated thunderstorms are also possible in the south of the warning area, with lightning an additional hazard.

People in affected areas should check if their property could be at risk of flooding.

If so, they should consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.

Check 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.

Forecaster advise gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

Also be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly, the Met Office said.

Bav MediaPictured: Scenes of flooding near the A1101 in Welney last week[/caption]

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