Weather: Parts of UK could see a month’s rain in 24 hours amid floods
Downpours continue as some areas struggle to cope with flooding in the wake of Storm Dennis. …
Image copyright PA Media Deluged communities in parts of the UK are facing more heavy rain as they struggle to cope in the wake of Storm Dennis.
A month’s worth of rain in 24 hours could also hit north Wales and north-west England, forecasters said, falling on ground that is already saturated.
Nearly 120 flood warnings remain in place across the country.
And there is also travel disruption after floods blocked a major rail route between England and Scotland.
The Environment Agency said there was a “heightened flood risk” across the Midlands, with six severe warnings – meaning there is a danger to life – still in place near the Welsh border around the Rivers Lugg, Severn and Wye.
There are also three yellow severe weather warnings in place across parts of north-west England and Wales as clean-up operations continue following flooding in the wake of Storm Dennis.
Rain fell heavily overnight into Thursday, with Met Office forecasters warning it was likely to continue until about 15:00 GMT in parts of the UK.
The West Coast Main Line was closed between Carlisle and Lancaster on Thursday morning following severe wet weather, affecting Avanti West Coast, Northern and TransPennine Express services.
Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes due to floods, with the worst-affected areas including south Wales, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.
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Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has faced criticism from opposition parties for not visiting flood-hit communities.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was showing his “true colours by his absence”, adding that the prime minister was sending a “clear message” by not convening the government’s emergency committee, Cobra.
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price also questioned why Mr Johnson had not convened Cobra.
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said his union had been raising the issue of long-term planning to deal with extreme weather events for years, but had found the government’s response to be “lacklustre”.
On Wednesday, business minister Nadhim Zahawi told Sky News the prime minister was focused on getting “money out the door” to businesses and local authorities in affected communities.
“He wants to help people by getting funding to them,” Mr Zahawi said.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said the government was investing £2.6bn in flood defences.
There was heavy rain across northern and western parts of Britain overnight.
The village of Capel Curig in north Wales received 54mm of rain in 24 hours – more than half the average rain for the whole of February.
According to the Environment Agency, England has already received 141% of its average February rainfall so far this month.
River levels in the Colne, Ribble, Calder, Aire, Trent, Severn, Wye, Lugg, and Derwent all set new records in recent days, it added.
Travel disruption
There is also ongoing disruption on train services in parts of the UK as a result of the severe weather.
Network Rail warned of major disruption on rail lines between Preston and Carlisle on Thursday after heavy rain flooded the tracks between Oxenholme and Penrith.
Services run by Avanti West Coast from London Euston to Glasgow and Edinburgh via Birmingham are affected, as well as trains operated by Northern and TransPennine Express.
Passengers have been warned that some journeys could take up to two hours longer than normal, with disruption expected until 14:00 GMT on Thursday.
Flooding is also causing disruption some routes in Wales, where several lines remain closed.
Meanwhile, charity the RSPCA said animal rescue officers had been called out more than 200 times in the past 72 hours – including for “dramatic rescues” of 60 sheep, horses, a swan and chickens.
Actor Michael Sheen, from Neath Port Talbot, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help flooded communities in south Wales.
“The devastation that Storm Dennis has left behind is very real and thousands of people across the UK have lost everything,” said Mr Sheen, 51.
What to do if you’re at risk of flooding
The Environment Agency’s flood warnings mean “immediate action” is required. But what should you do? Here’s what the agency suggests:
- Move family, pets and valuables to a safe place
- Keep a flood kit ready, with copies of home insurance documents, a torch and spare batteries, a portable radio, baby care items, bottles of water and non-perishable foods, as well as warm, waterproof clothing and blankets
- If it’s safe to do so, turn off gas, electricity and water mains supplies – your supplier can advise you how to do this
- Put flood protection equipment in place, such as flood boards or sandbags
- Once you’ve taken steps to protect your family, check whether there are vulnerable neighbours or relatives who need help
For more information, check the BBC Weather website and your BBC Local Radio station for regular updates.
AFP
Severe flood warningSevere flooding – danger to life
Flood warningFlooding is expected – immediate action required
Flood alertFlooding is possible – be prepared
Source: gov.uk
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