Homes and business in parts of the UK could be flooded today (January 12) as heavy rain batters the UK, forecasters have warned. The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for rain until 5pm across much of South West England, Wales, Herefordshire and Shropshire.
The warning said some higher ground areas may see 70-90mm or more of rain, with some homes and businesses deluged and properties experiencing possible power cuts. Downpours could also cause delays or cancellations to public transport and spray and flooding could lead to treacherous driving conditions and road closures.
The Met Office also warned that “some communities may be cut off by flooded roads”. It comes as aerial photos showed heavy rain has left areas around Tewkesbury, a town in Gloucestershire, submerged in flood water.
Met Office guidance also stated that “very strong west or southwest winds are expected, producing gusts to 45 mph inland and 60 mph along some coasts and across high ground, with the peak in the winds most likely on Wednesday night”.
As the rain swept in from the west, the M4 in South Wales was closed by flooding. Traffic monitoring organisation INRIX National said that the motorway was closed in the early hours between junctions 37 and 38. The M48 Severn Bridge was also closed in both directions due to strong winds.
Also in South Wales, Newport City Council closed a footpath after part of it “collapsed into the River Ebbw”.
Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “With all that wet weather coming in, there are concerns, particularly for those areas that have already seen so much rain across western England and Wales. The wettest weather is likely to see 60-80mm falling across the Brecon Beacons and Exmoor.”
The Met Office said further persistent rain will move in on Friday night and into Saturday, with the heaviest rain likely to be further north, including north Wales, northern England and Scotland. The Environment Agency has issued 35 flood warnings and 109 alerts for areas where flooding is expected or possible in England, while Natural Resources Wales has issued 38 flood alerts and three flood warnings.
Mark Garratt, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Continued heavy rainfall across England means that minor localised surface water and river flooding is probable in parts of the Midlands and the South West of England today (January 11), with impacts potentially continuing throughout the week.
“With the ground already saturated, communities in these areas should check their flood risk. The Environment Agency is monitoring flood levels, operating flood gates and barriers at locations across the country, and ensuring debris screens are clear from blockages to ensure communities are better protected.
“We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”
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