More than a dozen official flood warnings have been activated across the United Kingdom following a deluge of heavy rainfall, with authorities urging residents in affected areas to take immediate precautions for their safety.
Widespread Impact and Immediate Precautions
The intense downpours, which followed the first autumn snowfalls, have left rivers swollen and communities at risk. While broader weather warnings, including a rare amber alert for parts of England and Wales, have now expired, the Environment Agency has issued 14 specific flood warnings alongside 74 less severe flood alerts as of Tuesday morning, 2nd December.
For those living under a flood alert, the advice is to monitor the Environment Agency's website closely, prepare personal flood plans, and avoid walking or driving through floodwater. The more serious flood warnings require immediate action to protect life and property. This includes moving family, pets, and valuables to a safe place such as higher ground or an upper floor, turning off gas and electricity supplies, and deploying any flood defences you may have.
Full List of Areas Under Flood Warning
The 14 locations where the Environment Agency has issued its second-highest level of warning are:
- Holderness Drain and Leven Drain at Leven
- Holderness Drain and Leven Drain in Leven village
- Holderness Drain at Wawne Common and Woody Carr
- Keswick Campsite
- River Axe (Lower) from Axminster to Axmouth
- River Axe (Upper) from Winsham to Axminster, including Chard Junction and Weycroft
- River Derwent at Buttercrambe Mill
- River Derwent at Stamford Bridge - The Weir Caravan Park and Kexby Bridge
- River Ouse at York - riverside properties
- River Parrett (upper) from South Perrott to Thorney
- River Torridge (Lower) from Dolton to Bideford, including Taddiport and Weare Giffard
- River Vyrnwy at Maesbrook
- River Vyrnwy at Melverley
- River Yeo from Sherborne to Yeovil
These warnings indicate that flooding is expected and could impact homes, businesses, local infrastructure, and transport networks. Unlike Met Office weather warnings, flood warnings do not have a fixed expiry time, meaning residents must remain vigilant until the threat fully passes.
More Unsettled Weather Forecast for December
The Met Office has indicated that the wet end to November may be a sign of things to come. In its long-range forecast covering the period from 6th to 15th December, it predicts a continuation of unsettled conditions.
The forecast warns of further showers or longer spells of rain, with some bursts potentially turning "heavy and thundery." A frontal system expected on Saturday could bring locally heavy rain, particularly on hills exposed to strong southerly winds. There is also a possibility of more organised, heavy rain moving across most areas by Monday.
While temperatures are expected to remain close to the seasonal average, the combination of frequent rain and breezy conditions will make it feel quite chilly. The Met Office notes that frost and fog are unlikely during this persistently wet and windy spell.
