The Met Office has issued two new amber warnings of heavy rain as the country gears up for snow chaos. The unsettled weather conditions may lead many communities “cut off” by flooded roads, the forecaster has warned.
It has issued an amber warning of rain affecting Grampian and an amber warning for Highlands & Eilean Siar. The warning comes into effect on Tuesday from 12am till 5pm.
Sharing about the warning and its impacts, the Met Office stated: “After a brief lull during Monday afternoon, another period of heavy rain is expected to develop during Monday night and persist through Tuesday morning before turning to showers on Tuesday afternoon, giving another 50-70mm on top of what has already fallen.
“This is likely to lead to significant travel disruption and may result in some flooding of properties.”
According to the Met Office, a combination of rain, strong winds and snow are featuring in the UK forecast for the New Year transition period.
Tony Wisson is a Deputy Chief Forecaster said: “Locally, there could be accumulations of 10-15cm of snowfall, with larger amounts over the higher hills, and with associated strong winds we could see drifting snow in some parts.
!Across England and Wales strong winds will be a feature. These areas are covered by a Yellow NSWWS wind warning on both Wednesday and Thursday. This warning highlights the potential wind gusts of up to 65-75 mph in exposed locations.”
The Met Office has advised to:
- Keep yourself and others safe; prepare to avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous road conditions. If you must travel, ensure you watch for possible danger and drive cautiously.
- It is not safe to drive, walk or swim through floodwater, avoid it where possible and if you are affected by fast flowing or deep-water call 999, and wait for help.
- Preparing a flood kit could save you from loss or damage due to flooding to your home or business. In your flood kit have: insurance and any other important documents; a torch & spare batteries; a first aid kit, prescription medicines and supplies for looking after your family members or pets; and warm, waterproof clothes, blankets, food and water.
- Consider checking on vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111.