The Met Office has issued a warning for a major weather event set to affect the UK this weekend. According to the forecast, parts of the country will experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, and a risk of flooding. The weather event could bring more than a month’s worth of rain in a short nine-hour period, with certain areas anticipating up to 100mm of rain.
Mirror reports that the storm’s impact will be widespread, prompting the Met Office to place two yellow weather warnings in effect. Residents are urged to take precautions and prepare for potential travel disruptions and flooding.
A Record-Breaking Deluge
The Met Office has pinpointed the exact timeframe for the deluge, which is expected to begin on Saturday morning at 9 AM and continue through to 6 PM the same day. According to their website,
Rainfall will spread northeastwards on Saturday, and become persistent and at times heavy. Through this period, 20-40 mm of rain is expected to fall widely, with some locations perhaps seeing 75-100 mm, with much of this total falling in the later hours of the event.
This intense rainfall is anticipated to affect areas from Northern Ireland to northern England, with the heaviest rainfall expected during lunchtime in parts of North Wales, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, and Lancashire.
By late afternoon, heavy downpours will shift eastward, affecting areas like Humberside. On higher ground, rain totals could reach the maximum of 100mm, far surpassing the usual September rainfall. For comparison, cities like Liverpool, Manchester, and Hull typically receive between 60mm and 80mm of rain in a standard September, meaning this storm is already setting records.
Flood Warnings and Potential Disruptions
As of now, the Met Office has issued 15 flood warnings and alerts, with most concentrated in Cumbria and around the Lake District National Park. These areas are expected to be the most affected by both rain and flooding, which could lead to major disruptions.
The Met Office also warns that, in addition to the rainfall, strong gusty winds will accompany the storm, starting from Saturday afternoon. These winds could exacerbate the risk of transport delays, particularly for trains and buses, and might even cause some minor power cuts. They caution that
spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
urging motorists to avoid travel unless necessary.
Moreover, there is a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life. With higher ground seeing the most rain, those living in vulnerable areas should take extra precautions. The risk of flooding is also a concern, with some homes and businesses potentially being flooded, causing damage to buildings.
The heaviest rain is expected to ease by Sunday, but the risk of flooding remains high, especially in areas that received the most rainfall. The Met Office also warns that additional showers may affect parts of the country on Sunday, maintaining the threat of disruption. The full impact of the storm is still being monitored, and the public is advised to stay updated on weather warnings.
