BRITAIN is set to be battered by 70mph winds and half a month’s worth of rainfall in just 24 hours.
A yellow weather warning has been issued for parts of the country – with torrential rain and strong gusts expected to sweep in today.
The Met Office has warned some exposed areas could see up to 100mm of rainfall – sparking floods and posing a “danger to life”.
Parts of Wales, southern and southwest England, northern England and western Scotland are bracing for travel disruption due to the conditions.
The forecaster has predicted half the average monthly rainfall in December will fall in 24 hours – starting at around 6pm today.
Homes and businesses have been urged to prepared “emergency flood kits”, with power cuts also expected.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley admitted there was still “uncertainty” surrounding the extent of the wind and rainfall.
He said: “Whilst there is some uncertainty as to the exact track and intensity of the area of low pressure…
“…many parts of the UK are likely to see spells of rain which, given saturated ground, could lead to flooding and delays to road and rail travel.
“In addition, strong winds are expected, particularly in northern and western areas.
“We are closely monitoring developments and may issue updates to the warnings as the situation evolves.”
Over the next 24 hours, 40mm of rain could drench some areas, while 60 to 80mm of rain is expected over Dartmoor and high ground in Wales.
Met Office meteorologists added: “There is a small chance of 80-100 mm falling over the most exposed, prone hills.
“Given the saturated nature of the ground, this is likely to lead to some flooding in places and transport disruption.
“Rain will also be accompanied by strengthening southerly winds, which may exacerbate impacts.”
For parts of the Scottish Highlands, a yellow alert for wind will be in place until 10am on Wednesday.
In anticipation of the poor weather, the Environment Agency has issued 12 alerts where flooding is expected and 68 where it’s possible.
Over the weekend, brave Brits battled the wet and miserable conditions to continue their Christmas shopping.
Seas of umbrellas and fed-up shoppers wrapped in coats could be seen at festive markets across the country.
But the soggy conditions caused a Championship clash to be abandoned after just an hour.
Blackburn’s game against Sheffield Wednesday was called off after the pitch was left unplayable following a huge downpour.
Officials halted the play around the hour mark to make a decision as to whether the rain could be drained from the pitch at Ewood Park.
Staying safe in a flood
It’s never too late to take action and prepare for flooding. Follow these 6 simple steps to protect your home or business:
- Check the flood advice in your area to know when and where flooding will happen
- Charge mobile phone devices
- Park your car outside the flood zone
- Prepare a flood kit to help you cope in the event of flooding to your home and business
- Store valuables up high, including electrical devices, important documents and furniture
- Turn off gas water and electricity supplies
If you are trapped in a building by floodwater, follow these simple instructions to keep you and your family safe:
- Go to the highest level in the building you are in
- Do not go into attic spaces to avoid being trapped by rising water
- Only go to a roof if necessary
- Call 999 and wait for help
A decision was made to pause play for 10 minutes to see if things improved.
Once referee Ruebyn Ricardo realised the ball could not bounce or roll properly on the sodden surface, the decision was made to call it off.
Despite heavy wind and rain, the temperatures are mild for early December.
The Met Office forecast for the remainder of the month is still unsettled with further areas of low pressure expected.
Meteorologists said it is still too early to provide an accurate forecast for the festive period.
On its website, the Met Office said: “The outlook for much of December remains unsettled, with further areas of low pressure expected to bring more wet and windy weather.
“It is too early to provide details for Christmas, but updates will be posted across Met Office channels as we get closer to the time.”
