Storm Ingrid is sweeping across parts of the UK, bringing strong winds and heavy rain as weather warnings are issued nationwide. Flood alerts have been put in place across England, Scotland and Wales, with rising river levels expected to cause disruption. Residents are being urged to "act now" to protect homes, roads and businesses.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind and rain across parts of Somerset and Devon from 2am on Friday until 9am GMT on Saturday, with persistent rain falling on already saturated ground. Amber and yellow warnings are also in place for parts of Scotland, where rainfall accumulations of 60-80mm are likely, and as much as 100-120mm over high ground.
Forecasters say the centre of Storm Ingrid, named by the Portuguese weather service IPMA, will pass close to the South West on Friday, bringing the risk of disruption. Gusts of up to 60mph are possible along exposed coasts, accompanied by spells of heavy rain. Strong winds coupled with high tides could topple sea defences in vulnerable coastal areas.
In London, a band of rain is expected to move northwards this morning, clearing to leave a dry and brighter afternoon. Tonight is expected to remain mostly dry but breezy. Saturday will start with patchy cloud and sunshine before cloud thickens and rain develops in the afternoon, with showers later. Sunday and Monday look mostly cloudy and breezy with occasional drizzle, turning chillier, while more unsettled weather is expected to arrive on Tuesday.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said: "We’ve already seen heavy rain for much of Scotland overnight on Wednesday into Thursday, and this is likely to continue through much of today. Within the Amber warning area, some areas of high ground exposed to the strong southeasterly wind are likely to see in excess of 100 mm of rain through this event, whilst 50-80 mm is more probable for many places within the broader Yellow warning."
The warnings highlight the likelihood of fast-flowing or deep floodwater, travel disruption and the chance of some communities being cut off due to flooding. Armstrong added that while rainfall totals in Northern Ireland, south Wales and parts of the southwest of England won't reach those in Scotland, there is still potential for disruption, particularly for travel, which has resulted in yellow warnings for these areas.
