Large swathes of England are bracing for a severe soaking today, with up to two inches of rain and powerful wind gusts threatening widespread disruption. The Met Office has extended a significant weather warning, placing dozens of areas on flood watch just one week after the chaos caused by Storm Goretti.
Extended Weather Warning and Immediate Threats
A 13-hour yellow rain warning now covers 47 regions across much of the South and Midlands, active from 9am until 10pm. Forecasters warn that heavy and persistent rain could lead to flooding of homes and businesses, cause dangerous spray on roads for motorists, and result in delays to train services.
Outbreaks of rain are expected to spread north-eastwards, with widespread accumulations of 20mm to 30mm. In some isolated areas of southern England, totals could reach a staggering 40mm to 50mm. Given the already saturated ground from recent wet weather, this intensity of rainfall raises a high risk of surface water flooding.
Rainfall in Context and Accompanying Winds
To put this into perspective, the Met Office states that England's average rainfall for the entire month of January is 83mm. This means some regions could see the equivalent of 18 days' worth of rain fall in just 13 hours today.
The deluge will not be the only hazard. Strengthening winds through the afternoon and evening will bring gusts, particularly across southern coastal areas, where they may reach speeds of up to 50mph.
Official Response and Ongoing Recovery
The Environment Agency has issued 39 flood alerts for England, concentrated in the South East and Midlands, alongside three more serious flood warnings between Worcester and Gloucester.
This fresh bout of severe weather compounds existing problems. It follows a major incident declared in Kent and Sussex, where around 30,000 properties were left without water due to burst pipes and power cuts. Last week, Storm Goretti brought gusts of almost 100mph and a rare red wind warning, crippling rail travel in South West England.
Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon outlined the situation: "An area of low pressure is going to bring heavy and persistent rain to parts of southern England and will be accompanied by some gusty winds at times. There's the possibility of travel disruption for some and the possibility of flooding in a few places as well." He noted that northern England, Scotland, and Wales would be drier, though north-west Scotland could see showers.
In related news, the recent wintry conditions have triggered the Government's cold weather payments scheme for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This means eligible pensioners and low-income households will automatically receive £25 for every seven-consecutive-day period of very cold weather.
