The Met Office has issued a fresh yellow weather warning for heavy and persistent rain, raising the threat of flooding across parts of London and southern England.
Warning Details and Immediate Risks
The alert is active from 9am until 10pm on Thursday. Forecasters warn that the downpours, falling onto already saturated ground, are likely to cause surface water flooding. The public should prepare for the possibility of flooded homes and businesses, significant disruption to bus and train services with longer journey times, and hazardous driving conditions on some roads.
Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon explained the situation: "An area of low pressure is going to bring heavy and persistent rain to parts of southern England and will be accompanied by some gusty winds at times. There’s the possibility of travel disruption for some and the possibility of flooding in a few places as well."
Rainfall Totals and Wider Context
Between 20 and 30mm of rain is expected widely across the warning zone, with isolated spots potentially seeing 40 to 50mm. Gusts of wind reaching 35 to 45mph may also accompany the rain at times.
This new warning follows a period of severe disruption. Last week, Storm Goretti battered the country, bringing gusts of almost 100mph and a rare red wind warning to the south-west. In its aftermath, a major incident was declared in Kent and Sussex after approximately 30,000 properties lost water supplies due to burst pipes and power cuts.
Tragically, police confirmed a man in his 50s was found dead in a caravan in Helston, Cornwall, after a tree fell onto the vehicle following Storm Goretti.
Ongoing Flood Alerts and Cold Weather Support
The Environment Agency currently has three flood warnings in place for England, where flooding is expected, alongside 41 flood alerts where it is possible. This underscores the ongoing vulnerability of the region's infrastructure.
Separately, the recent wintry conditions have triggered the government's cold weather payments scheme. This means eligible pensioners and low-income households in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will automatically receive £25 for every seven-day period of very cold weather.
Looking ahead, the forecast suggests a mix of showers and patchy cloud for the weekend, with drier conditions expected for much of northern England, Scotland, and Wales on Thursday, aside from some showers in north-west Scotland.
