The Met Office has issued a series of severe weather alerts for next week, urging residents across 49 different parts of the UK to prepare essential items. Four separate yellow warnings for wind and rain are set to cause significant disruption from Monday through to Wednesday.
Widespread Disruption Expected from Monday
The first alert, a yellow warning for rain, will be active from 6pm on Monday until 6pm on Tuesday. It covers a vast swathe of south-west England and Wales. The national forecaster has warned that up to 100mm of rain could fall, bringing a serious risk of flooding and power cuts. Travel delays are highly likely.
The affected areas under this initial rain warning are extensive, including Hampshire, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, and all of Wales from Cardiff to Gwynedd.
Fierce Winds and Further Rain to Follow
Simultaneously, a yellow wind warning will come into force from 10pm on Monday until 4pm on Tuesday. This alert spans Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and much of western Wales. Gusts could reach 70mph or above, posing a further threat of power cuts and disruption to road, rail, air, and ferry services.
The severe weather will then shift northwards on Tuesday. A second rain warning will be in place for northern England, including Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire, until 3pm. The Met Office has issued a stark warning that fast-flowing floodwater could pose a "danger to life", with up to 80mm of rain possible. There is also a chance some communities could become cut off by flooded roads.
Scotland Braces for High Winds
The final alert is a wind warning for north-west Scotland, active from 3pm on Tuesday until 10am on Wednesday. The Highlands, Na h-Eileanan Siar (the Western Isles), and Argyll and Bute are set to bear the brunt of gusts potentially exceeding 70mph, leading to probable power cuts and travel delays.
Across all four warnings, the Met Office is advising the public to take preparatory steps to cope with potential power outages. The agency recommends gathering a few key items in advance, stating it helps people cope better. The advised essentials include torches with spare batteries, a mobile phone power pack, and any other crucial supplies specific to household needs.
