The Met Office has issued a severe amber weather warning for heavy rain across parts of England and Wales, signalling a potential 15-hour deluge that could bring significant disruption to daily life.
Residents in South Wales and South West England are being urged to prepare for intense rainfall starting from 6 pm on Wednesday, 20th March, and continuing through the night until 9 am on Thursday. The warning has been upgraded from yellow to amber, indicating a higher likelihood of impacts.
Areas Most at Risk
The alert covers a substantial portion of southern Britain, including:
- South Wales: Bridgend, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea
- South West England: Cornwall, Devon, Somerset
- West Midlands: Herefordshire, Worcestershire, parts of Gloucestershire
Expected Impacts and Potential Dangers
Meteorologists are warning of several serious potential consequences:
- Flooding: Fast-flowing or deep floodwater is likely, posing a danger to life
- Transport Chaos: Road closures and cancellations to bus and train services are expected
- Property Damage: Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to buildings
- Power Cuts: Some communities may lose power and other essential services
The Met Office has specifically warned that spray and flooding will probably make journey times longer, while some roads may become completely impassable.
Weather System Details
This significant weather event is being driven by a low-pressure system moving in from the east, which will interact with moist air to produce persistent and at times heavy rainfall. The worst-affected areas could see between 40-60mm of rain, with some upland regions potentially receiving up to 80mm.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Keates emphasised the seriousness of the situation, stating that the rainfall will be "much more widespread" than recent events and that "many places could see 30-40mm of rain, while a few areas may receive 60-80mm."
Authorities are advising the public to monitor travel updates, check road conditions before setting out on journeys, and prepare emergency plans in case of flooding to properties.
