The Met Office has issued new weather warnings and power cut alerts for Britons in 21 areas. The latest yellow rain warnings are in place for counties in London & the South East, South West England, the West Midlands and Wales, beginning at 5am on Thursday and ending at 11.59pm the same day.
The Met Office weather warning says: “Rain arriving from the south overnight Wednesday into Thursday is likely to turn heavy and persistent in places for a time during Thursday morning. Then, following a brief respite for many, albeit with some heavy showers around, a further area of organised and at times heavy rain is likely to once again arrive from the south, affecting the same area. 10-20mm of rain is likely to have fallen fairly widely by the end of Thursday, with a few spots seeing in excess of 30mm. Given the widely saturated ground conditions, some low-impact surface water flooding is probable, with difficult driving conditions from spray, flowing water, or flooded roads in particular.”
Residents in the impacted areas have been warned that flooding of some homes and businesses is possible, as it is a “brief interruption” of power supplies and other services.
Spray and flooding on roads is likely to make journey times longer, while bus and train services are also likely to be affected.
Residents covered by the warnings are being urged to check if their properties are at risk of flooding and if so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
Anyone planning to travel during the weather warning period is advised to check road conditions, or bus and train timetables, and amend travel plans if necessary.
To prepare for possible power cuts, residents are being urged to consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack, and other essential items.
London & South East England
Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole