The Met Office has issued a fresh amber weather warning for parts of the UK with a “danger to life” alert, urging people to stock up on seven essential items. Torrential rain and storms threaten flooding, power disruption, and danger to life.
The 18-hour warning, which comes into force at midnight on Thursday (January 22) and lasts until 6pm, covers parts of Scotland including Central, Tayside & Fife, Angus, Perth and Kinross, Grampian and Aberdeenshire, with forecasters warning that some communities could be cut off by rising floodwaters. Brits have been told to prepare now as persistent and heavy rain is expected to sweep across eastern Scotland, bringing the risk of severe travel disruption and damage to homes and businesses. The Met Office said rainfall totals of 60mm to 80mm are likely across much of the warning area, with over 100mm possible on higher ground. In some locations, totals since Wednesday evening could exceed 150mm.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Dan Harris said: “Rain will turn increasingly persistent and heavy late on Wednesday and through much of Thursday for parts of Scotland. This is expected to lead to flooding in some places, with some rivers taking longer to respond to the rainfall and could lead to ongoing impacts through Thursday.”
The amber warning means there is a heightened risk of serious impacts, including fast-flowing floodwater that could pose a danger to life.
What Brits are told to expect
The Met Office has warned people in affected areas to prepare for:
Train and bus delays or cancellations
Road closures and dangerous driving conditions
Some communities potentially being cut off
Stock up on these essentials
Brits have been urged to prepare a flood kit, which the Met Office says could help protect their homes or businesses from loss or damage.
Torch and spare batteries
Insurance and important documents
Warm, waterproof clothing and blankets
Supplies for children and pets
Unsettled conditions are expected to continue beyond Thursday, with forecasters warning that further wet and windy weather could arrive on Friday and continue into the weekend.
The Met Office urged people to stay up to date with the latest warnings and forecasts, and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities as conditions develop.