The Met Office has raised the alarm, issuing a severe Amber weather warning for heavy and persistent rain set to batter parts of the UK on Thursday. The warning signals a significant risk of flooding, travel disruption, and potential power cuts for millions.
The alert is in force for a gruelling nine hours, from midday until 9pm on May 23rd, covering a large swathe of North Wales and North West England. Regions including Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Powys, and Wrexham are all on high alert.
Immediate Impacts and Dangers
Forecasters are warning the public to prepare for a multitude of hazards. The intense rainfall is likely to cause:
- Dangerous driving conditions: Spray and flooding on roads will make journey times longer and significantly more hazardous.
- Power cuts: There is a good chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to buildings and loss of power.
- Community isolation: Some communities might become cut off by flooded roads.
- Delays and cancellations: Train and bus services are likely to be affected, with journey times taking much longer.
What The Weather Experts Are Saying
The Met Office's warning is stark: "Rain, heavy and persistent at times, is expected to develop during Thursday. 40-60 mm of rain is likely to accumulate quite widely within the warning area, with the potential for 80-100 mm in a few spots over higher ground."
This amount of water in a short period poses a serious threat of fast-flowing floodwater, potentially causing danger to life. The public is being urged to check road conditions before setting out on journeys and to avoid driving through flood water. Residents in affected areas should also keep a close eye on local flood warnings from the Environment Agency.
