The Met Office has issued a stark 48-hour weather warning for heavy rain, urging residents in nine specific areas to prepare emergency kits due to a potential 'danger to life' from flooding. The yellow warning is active from 12pm on Wednesday, 21 January, until 12pm on Friday, 23 January.
Areas at Risk and Urgent Preparations
Weather experts warn that persistent and heavy rain over hills from later Wednesday through Thursday and Friday could lead to significant flooding. The alert covers regions in north-east Scotland, where there is a 'small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life'.
The affected areas are:
- Central, Tayside & Fife: Angus, Dundee, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling.
- Grampian: Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray.
- Highlands & Eilean Siar: Highland.
The Met Office is advising people in these locations to consider preparing both a flood plan and an emergency flood kit without delay.
What Should Your Emergency Flood Kit Include?
Being prepared is crucial. A recommended emergency flood kit should contain essential items to sustain a household if cut off or displaced. Key items include:
- A torch with spare batteries and a battery or wind-up radio.
- Warm, waterproof clothing and blankets.
- A first aid kit and any required prescription medicines.
- Bottled water and non-perishable snacks.
- Copies of insurance documents and a list of important contact numbers.
- Vital supplies for babies or pets.
Furthermore, a practical flood plan involves knowing how to safely shut off your gas and electricity supplies, and having contact details for your insurance provider, local council, and utility companies readily available. It is also wise to identify vulnerable neighbours or relatives who may need assistance.
Forecast Details and Additional Wind Warning
The Met Office states that rain on Wednesday will be 'intermittent at first' before turning persistent and heavy over high ground, continuing into Thursday and potentially Friday. Rainfall accumulations of 30-60 mm are expected widely inland, with the possibility of 80-120 mm over the highest ground.
'Given the nature of the ground following recent rain and snow thaw, this may lead to some flooding in places,' a forecaster added. Coastal areas may see lower rainfall totals but face additional hazards from strong onshore winds and large waves.
Separately, a yellow warning for wind has been issued for south-west England and Wales from 4am on Tuesday until 4pm. This warns of strong and gusty south-easterly winds developing, affecting areas including Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and much of Wales.
