THE Met Office has issued a ‘danger to life’ warning with Brits warned of floods and power cuts in parts of the UK today.
Heavy and persistent rain is set to lash parts of the UK until Sunday and Brits have been urged to stay safe amid expected traffic chaos.
AlamyShops and businesses flooded this morning after a water main burst in Kidderminster, Worcestershire[/caption]
AlamyA 24 inch water main burst in the early hours, leaving the town without water[/caption]
An amber weather warning is in place alongside a two-day yellow alert for rainMET Office
AlamyCommuters navigating the floodwater in Kidderminster this morning[/caption]
An amber weather warning has been in place since midnight on Saturday and is effective until midnight tonight.
Meteorologists from the Met Office expect: “Persistent, heavy rain is likely to cause significant travel disruption and flooding.”
The alert covers areas of north western Scotland including Ullapool and Fort William.
Forecasters predict 100 to 150 mm of rainfall widely but west-facing upslopes could see around 200 mm.
Meteorologists warned “fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life”.
The amber alert also brings a “slight chance of power cuts” and a “good chance some communities will be cut off by blocked roads”.
Meanwhile, “persistent, heavy rain” will likely spark chaos on the roads, prompting closures and “difficult driving conditions”.
“Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings,” the warning added.
The unsettled weather could also cause delays and cancellations to public transport services so it is important to check your route before travelling.
At the same time, a two-day yellow weather warning is also in force for rain, which began at 6.pm on Saturday and ends at 6.am on Monday.
It covers the same areas in north western Scotland, but extends out to the Scottish Highlands, Portree, Tobermory and nearly reaches Stirling.
Flooding has already wreaked havoc in Worcestershire this morning, as the town of Kidderminster saw homes and business partially submerged.
A water main burst in the early hours of the morning and the town is now without water.
Commuters were spotted navigating flood water on the road, as rescue services attended flooded properties.
Met Office meteorologists explained how the jet stream to the north of the UK, and pressure to the south has created a mix of weather across Britain.
“This pressure pattern brings dry, settled weather for southern areas while low pressure systems track to the north of the UK,” stated the Met Office.
“Here, a slow-moving weather front will bring a spell of persistent and at times heavy rain to northwest Scotland.”
It comes after Brits were issued more than 30 flood alerts across the UK on Thursday.
Heavy rain sparked traffic chaos as drivers were forced to abandon their cars after becoming submerged under floodwater.
Emergency services, including paramedics and crew from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, were called out to Buttsbury Wash to help a woman trapped in a flood.
And, multiple vehicles became stuck in Norfolk yesterday along the A1101 in Welney, dubbed Britain’s lowest road.
An Asda delivery van was spotted in the middle of floodwater which reached all the way to the trucks headlights.
Meanwhile, looking forward to Christmas, snow has also been predicted for some of the UK in the days leading up to the big day.
Higher parts of northern areas are forecast to see the white stuff, however it is not expected to settle for long.
“Late in the week potential for a mild spell in the south as rain moves in with some small amounts of hill snow in the north before a period of more north or north-westerly winds with showers across coasts and turning wintry over hills,” predicted the Met Office long range forecast.
AMBER WEATHER WARNING FOR RAIN
What to expect, according to the Met Office:
There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses
Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life
Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely
Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
A good chance some communities will be cut off by blocked roads
STAYING SAFE
Six simple steps to protect your home or business from flooding, according to the Met Office:
Check the flood advice in your area to know when and where flooding will happen
Charge mobile phone devices
Park your car outside the flood zone
Prepare a flood kit to help you cope in the event of flooding to your home and business
Store valuables up high, including electrical devices, important documents and furniture
Turn off gas water and electricity supplies
Scott Huntley/HVCA driver making his way through a flooded ford in Essex yesterday[/caption]
Bav MediaAn Asda food van became submerged in the floodwater[/caption]
Paul MarriottThe embankment in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, is covered with floodwater as the River Nene has breached its banks after recent heavy rain.[/caption]
Stephen Huntley/HVCFire rescue services had to pull a woman from her flooded car at Buttsbury Wash, Essex on Thursday[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
