Almost 150 flood alerts and warnings remain in force across the United Kingdom as the Met Office has issued fresh yellow weather warnings for heavy rain and strong winds. This comes in the aftermath of Storm Ingrid, which battered coastal regions over the weekend, causing significant structural damage and erosion.
Widespread Flood Risk Across the Nation
The Environment Agency has issued 113 flood alerts, indicating that flooding is possible, along with 20 flood warnings where deluges are expected across England on Sunday. In Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued seven flood warnings and three alerts, while Natural Resources Wales has two alerts currently in place. This collective action underscores the broad geographical scope of the impending weather threat.
Detailed Weather Warnings and Expected Impacts
The Met Office has warned that further volatile conditions are imminent. A yellow rain warning is active for south west England, southern and mid Wales from 3pm Monday until midday on Tuesday, extending to southern England on Tuesday. Forecasters predict that homes and businesses could be flooded, some communities may become cut off, and power cuts are possible due to the severe conditions.
Outbreaks of heavy rain are expected to cause transport disruption across the south west of England, southern and mid Wales, and parts of the south east. Rainfall totals are projected to reach up to 30mm widely, with 50-80mm likely across higher ground, particularly on Dartmoor, Exmoor, and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). The rain will fall onto already saturated ground, exacerbating flooding risks in vulnerable areas.
Additional Warnings for Northern Ireland and Wind Threats
Separately, a yellow rain warning is in effect for County Armagh, County Down, County Fermanagh, County Londonderry, and County Tyrone in Northern Ireland on Monday between 12pm and 6pm. Heavy rain moving northeastwards could bring 20-30mm of rainfall widely, with up to 40mm over high ground.
This warning will transition to a combined rain and wind alert on Tuesday from 2am until 10pm. Strong east to southeasterly winds are anticipated, with peak gusts of 40-50mph inland and potentially 60-70mph along exposed coasts, particularly in northern and eastern regions.
Storm Ingrid's Destructive Legacy
The current wet weather follows Storm Ingrid, named by the Portuguese Meteorological Service, which brought gusts of 45 to 50mph and heavy rain on Friday night. The storm caused substantial structural damage along vast coastal areas of the UK.
In Devon, parts of the historic Teignmouth Grand Pier crumbled into the sea, while in Dawlish, sections of a sea wall protecting a railway line were brought down by huge waves. A resident described the scene as "very dramatic," noting that an 80 to 90 ft section of the wall had simply crumbled away.
On the Yorkshire coast in Tunstall, a decommissioned Cold War nuclear observation post fell onto the beach after cliff erosion, highlighting the severe coastal impacts. The Teignmouth National Coastwatch Institution reported they had "never seen it this rough before," even with over an hour remaining until high tide.
Met Office Five-Day Weather Forecast
Today and Tonight: Cloudy conditions will prevail for many with outbreaks of rain and heavy showers. Further hill snow is likely across parts of northeast Scotland. Some brighter breaks may develop in the south, with lighter winds compared to Saturday. Expect largely cloudy skies with patchy rain easing, wintry showers in the northeast, and mist or fog patches in the southeast.
Monday: Generally cloudy with further outbreaks of rain for northeast England and east Scotland, turning wintry over hills. A band of rain and strong winds will arrive from the west and spread eastwards.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday: Unsettled conditions will persist throughout, with rain, showers, and possible hill snow moving across the country. Strong winds are expected, particularly on Tuesday when another deep area of low pressure arrives. Temperatures will feel cold.
The combination of saturated ground, ongoing rainfall, and powerful winds presents a continued risk of flooding and disruption across multiple UK regions in the coming days.
