The United Kingdom is bracing for another bout of severe weather this week, with forecasters predicting further heavy rain and strong winds. This comes as more than 120 areas remain on flood watch and travel disruption continues in the aftermath of Storm Ingrid.
Widespread Weather Warnings Issued
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for today and tomorrow, covering southern England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These warnings anticipate up to 80mm (3.1 inches) of rainfall and wind gusts reaching 70mph in some regions.
Forecasters have expressed concerns that some communities within the affected areas could become cut off due to flooded roads. The situation is being driven by a succession of Atlantic weather systems, which are bringing wet and windy conditions across the UK. There is also a possibility of snow on higher ground in the Pennines and Scottish mountains.
Flood Risk Remains High
Flooding continues to pose a major risk across the nation. The Environment Agency has issued 97 flood alerts and 19 more serious flood warnings for England. In Wales, Natural Resources Wales has two alerts active, while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has four warnings in place.
In response to the cold conditions accompanying the stormy weather, the UK Health Security Agency has activated cold health alerts for northern England. These are in effect from 6pm tonight until Friday, highlighting a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.
Ongoing Incidents and Search Operations
Devon and Cornwall Police are continuing their search for a missing kayaker. The individual, a man in his 40s, got into difficulty on the River Exe in Tiverton on Saturday afternoon. While the kayak has been recovered, the man remains missing.
Separately, the body of a man recovered from the sea at Exmouth, Devon, on Sunday is thought to be that of Matthew Upham, an antiques shop owner. He was one of two swimmers who went missing on Christmas Day. Formal identification is pending, but the family of a 64-year-old man from Budleigh Salterton has been informed. The body of the other missing swimmer, a 47-year-old man, was recovered last Tuesday.
Detailed Forecast and Impact
A specific yellow rain warning is in force for South West England and Wales from 3pm today until midday tomorrow. Forecasters expect widespread rainfall of 20mm to 30mm, with 50mm to 80mm likely on higher ground, particularly across Dartmoor, Exmoor, and the Brecon Beacons.
Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna stated, "Most parts of the UK will certainly see wet and windy weather over the next couple of days. The most impactful weather's going to be across some southern and western parts." He added that parts of the South West could see up to 80mm of rain coupled with gales, especially in Cornwall, with particularly windy conditions expected later on Monday into Tuesday.
Another yellow warning for rain covers parts of South East England from midnight to midday tomorrow. The forecaster has also warned of potential large waves in some coastal areas, with risks of debris being blown around and tiles coming off roofs.
While the wind and rain will make conditions feel chilly, temperatures are generally expected to be average for this time of year. Alerts for wind and rain are also active in Northern Ireland for today and tomorrow.
Clean-Up Continues from Storm Ingrid
The latest warnings come as clean-up operations continue following the impact of Storm Ingrid on Devon and Cornwall. The storm caused significant damage, including:
- A partial collapse of a sea wall protecting the railway line at Dawlish, leading to suspended train services between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth on Saturday.
- Part of the historic Teignmouth Grand Pier being washed away.
- The River Ouse bursting its banks in York city centre over the weekend.
- A partial collapse of a sea wall on the South Pier in South Shields, which had been previously damaged by Storm Babet in 2023.
Met Office chief forecaster Steve Willington summarised the outlook, saying, "Unsettled conditions will continue through the week, with a combination of rain, brisk winds and some further hill snow, particularly in northern areas where colder air remains in place. While many areas will see typical late January conditions, there is enhanced potential for some impactful weather on Monday night into Tuesday."
