Heavy and persistent rain will bring a risk of flooding and disruption to parts of the UK this weekend, as Met Office weather warnings cover large parts of the country.
Storm Alex, a low-pressure system named by Météo-France earlier this week, has brought wet and windy weather to southern parts of England and Wales today (Friday) with a wind and rain warning in place for this.
Steve Ramsdale, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Storm Alex has clipped the southern edge of Britain today bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the country. The highest gust of 71 mph was at Berry Head on the Devon coast, but winds are now easing for most. Away from the south it is a more pleasant day, with light winds and bright spells for much of northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
“However, as the strong winds and rain associated with Storm Alex clear away from Britain later tonight, another low-pressure system will move towards the UK from the east bringing further very heavy rain to many over the weekend as well as some strong winds.”
Are you hoping to get outside this weekend?
If so, you will want to know what the weather has in store… 👇
Clue: There is a lot of this 🌧️ and some of this 🌦️🍂 pic.twitter.com/qMg6fvf1NH
— Met Office (@metoffice) October 1, 2020
Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Laura Ellam, said: “Saturday will be a very wet and cold day for many as heavy bands of rain push north and west across the country, becoming slow moving for some parts. We have issued several Yellow rain warnings covering large parts of the country over the weekend, with Amber rain warnings in place in eastern Scotland, much of Wales and parts of west England. Conditions will improve for many on Sunday though it is still likely to remain wet and windy for some.”
Laura continued: “At this time of year, trees are in full leaf and drains can become blocked from tree debris – with many places seeing 25-50mm of rain and around 70-90mm over high ground, there is a heightened risk of flooding and very difficult driving conditions this weekend. In areas with Amber warnings, such as Snowdonia, Exmoor and eastern Scotland, over 100mm of rain could fall over the weekend – this is likely to lead to significant impacts from flooding.”
“Given the severe weather this weekend, the Met Office is urging people to keep a close eye on the forecast and warnings during this spell of challening and disruptive weather.”
Carol Holt, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Widespread and persistent heavy rain is likely to lead to flooding for some areas over the weekend. Flooding is also possible in parts of southern England today.
“Environment Agency teams have been working hard to clear grills and weed screens in areas which may be affected. We urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive though flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.
