The Met Office has escalated its weather warnings, issuing fresh alerts for heavy rain and urging residents in 15 specific regions across the UK to prepare an 'emergency' kit. The new warnings, which span up to 37 hours, highlight significant risks of flooding and power disruptions.
Triple Threat: New Rain Warnings Issued
While existing warnings for snow and ice remain in force, the national forecaster has now issued three separate yellow warnings for rain. The first alert covers all of Northern Ireland, including County Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, and Tyrone. It is active from 9pm on Saturday, 10 January 2026, until 9pm on Sunday.
The Met Office warns that these areas can expect around 30mm of rain widely, with up to 60mm over higher ground. A key concern is that melting snow from the recent cold spell will significantly increase the risk of flooding in affected communities.
Scotland Braces for Torrential Downpours
A second rain warning targets southern Scotland, encompassing Dumfries and Galloway, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, and South Lanarkshire. This alert runs from 2am on Sunday until midnight. Forecasters predict a staggering 90mm of rain on higher ground, raising the possibility of some communities becoming temporarily cut off due to floodwater.
A third and potentially most severe warning has been issued for northern Scotland, covering Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Highland, Argyll and Bute, and West Dunbartonshire. Active from 2am Sunday until 10am on Monday, this warning forecasts 60mm of rain widely and a remarkable 110mm over parts of Skye, Lochaber, Argyll and the Trossachs.
Official Advice: Prepare a Flood Plan and Kit
In all three warnings, the Met Office explicitly advises residents to create a 'flood plan' and assemble an 'emergency flood kit'. The guidance stresses the importance of checking road conditions and public transport timetables before travelling.
The warnings state: "People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items."
Supporting this, David Morgan, SEPA Flood Duty Manager, commented: "As temperatures rise following recent cold conditions, thaw of lying snow from Sunday onwards will increase the risk of flooding. Possible impacts could include flooding of low lying land, roads and individual properties."
Essential items recommended for an emergency kit include:
- Torches and spare batteries
- A mobile phone power pack (power bank)
- Candles with matches or lighters
The combination of heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt creates a perfect storm for surface water flooding, making preparedness crucial for those in the affected regions over the coming days.
