The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for the entire southern coast of the UK as Storm Bella approaches, bringing heavy rain and damaging winds. BBC Weather forecaster Helen Willets warned that the first band of rain will push southwards on Saturday, with the storm's full force expected from the evening onwards.
Many residents have already been forced to evacuate due to flooding, and others have been advised to stay home because of the risk of flash floods. Severe flood warnings, indicating a danger to life, remain in place across England, with numerous other flood warnings elsewhere in the UK.
Ms Willets described the situation as 'the calm before the storm' across southern areas, noting that Storm Bella is bearing down on the UK. She highlighted that significant rainfall has already fallen in the past week, and more is on the way, with concerns about damaging winds gusting up to 70mph, which could down power lines and trees.
The Met Office warned of 'flying debris' in southern England and stated that injuries and danger to life are likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts, and properties. Approximately 186 communities have been issued weather warnings due to Storm Bella's arrival on Boxing Day.
