The Met Office has issued a fresh 15-hour weather warning for heavy rain, urging residents in 39 specific areas across England and Wales to prepare an emergency kit due to a significant risk of flooding.
When and Where the Deluge Will Hit
The yellow warning for rain is active from 9am on Thursday until 11.59pm the same day. Forecasters predict a deepening area of low pressure will move northeast across England and Wales, bringing persistent and heavy downpours. The worst of the weather is expected to clear northwards overnight.
Accumulations of 20-40mm are expected widely, with the potential for 40-70mm in isolated spots, particularly in parts of Southwest England. This could equate to nearly a standard January's rainfall in some cities falling in just a few hours.
Why an Emergency Kit is Essential
Given the already saturated ground from recent wet weather, the Met Office states this rainfall "may lead to some surface water flooding." Consequently, they are advising people in the alert zones to assemble a kit of essential items to have to hand.
The recommended emergency kit should include:
- Insurance documents and a list of important contact numbers.
- A torch with spare batteries or a wind-up model.
- A basic first aid kit and any necessary prescription medicines.
- Warm, waterproof clothing and blankets.
- Bottled water and non-perishable snacks.
- A battery-powered or wind-up radio for updates.
- Supplies for babies or pets if applicable.
Regions Under the Weather Warning
The warning spans a large swathe of the country. In South West England, the affected areas include Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire.
In Wales, the warning covers most of the south, including Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, and the Valleys. Parts of the West Midlands, namely Herefordshire and Worcestershire, are also included.
Several counties in London & South East England are under the alert too, such as Hampshire, East and West Sussex, Surrey, and Oxfordshire. While heavy rain will reach the capital in the evening, it is not currently expected to be severe enough to warrant its own separate warning.
Existing Flood Concerns Compound the Threat
The new warning comes amid existing flood alerts. There is a specific warning for the River Severn at Severn Ham, Tewkesbury, where high levels are expected to cause flooding of property and roads. Concerns are also heightened for the Mid Bristol Avon area, groundwater flooding in West Dorset, and the Chertsey Bourne in Berkshire and Surrey.
The Met Office summary warns: "Given the saturated ground, this may lead to some surface water flooding." Residents in the listed regions are strongly advised to stay updated on forecasts and local flood guidance, and to prepare their emergency supplies without delay.
