UK Flood Alert Map: Hundreds of Warnings Issued as Heavy Rain Batters Nation
Hundreds of flood alerts and warnings have been activated across the United Kingdom on Monday, following the issuance of weather warnings by the Met Office for more heavy rain this week. The Environment Agency has confirmed 108 flood warnings, where flooding is expected across England, and 218 flood alerts, where deluge is possible. A detailed map highlights south Wiltshire and Dorset, along with parts of Gloucestershire and the West Midlands, as hotspots for flooding.
Southern England and Wales Face Immediate Threat
Bands of heavy rain are set to batter parts of southern England and Wales, with a yellow weather warning in place during Monday afternoon and evening. The Met Office forecasts at least 10 to 15mm of rain fairly widely, with 20 to 30mm expected in areas exposed to strong south to south-easterly winds as the showers move in an easterly direction. The forecaster has warned that flooding on roads could cause significant travel disruption, impacting bus and train services, and also affect homes and businesses. There is also a chance of some interruption to power supplies, adding to the potential hazards.
Scotland Braces for Persistent Rain and Snow
Further yellow weather warnings have been issued for "persistent and at times heavy rain" over Scotland all day on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a sprinkling of snow expected. On Tuesday, around 15 to 30mm of rain could fall widely, with 40 to 60mm possible in places over higher ground, impacting Central, Tayside, Fife, and Grampian regions. Some snow may affect the highest roads in Aberdeenshire by the end of Tuesday. On Wednesday, a further 20 to 30mm of rain could fall, with potential for another 40 to 60mm building up over high ground. As freezing levels lower from the North, snow is likely to fall above 300 to 400m, especially across Aberdeenshire, Angus, and Perthshire, where 5 to 10cm of snow may accumulate by the end of Wednesday.
Regional Breakdown of Flood Alerts
While England faces the brunt of the flood warnings, other regions are also affected. Only two flood alerts and four warnings are in place across Scotland on Monday, while Wales has seven alerts active. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has numerous flood alerts active, and Northern Ireland recorded its wettest January in 149 years, with Storm Chandra bringing record-breaking rainfall across a number of UK sites. For instance, Katesbridge in County Down recorded a staggering 100.8mm of rain, far surpassing the previous site record of 38.2mm from 2005, on 26 January.
Wet Start to the Year Continues
The UK continues to face a persistent rainy spell, after the Met Office confirmed last week that rain had been recorded on every day of the year so far. Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon stated, "Rain has been reported somewhere in the network every day of the year so far. While amounts are trivial on some days, and some areas will have seen dry days, the UK has seen a wet start to the year, particularly in Northern Ireland and southern England. This has largely been down to a succession of fronts or low-pressure systems arriving from the west, bringing heavy rain at times, as well as damaging winds for some. There’s little sign of a let-up in the current forecast, with further unsettled weather in the coming days and over the weekend."
Record Rainfall and Local Impacts
In addition to Northern Ireland, other areas have seen significant rainfall. Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon reached 52.8mm, while Hurn in Dorset, Cardinham in Cornwall, and Plymouth Mountbatten in Devon all exceeded their previous daily records. Already, parts of Leicestershire have experienced flooded roads, highlighting the immediate dangers posed by the ongoing weather conditions.
Weekly Weather Forecast
The Met Office weather forecast for the week indicates continued unsettled conditions. Monday started grey for many with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, staying largely cloudy with some brighter spells possible. Heavy rain and strong winds pushed into the South West with a risk of flooding, and it remained rather mild in the South. Tonight, cloudy skies are expected for most with further outbreaks of rain, with heavy rain and strong winds gradually easing in the South West. Tuesday will see another dull start with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, followed by a spell of heavy rain moving into the South, then sunshine and showers, while staying cloudy and damp elsewhere. The outlook for Wednesday to Friday suggests staying unsettled at first with further outbreaks of rain for many, turning colder and brighter on Friday with a chance of snow showers, particularly in the North and East.
