URGENT UPDATE: Weather warnings for severe rain and strong winds are now in effect, threatening significant travel disruption across Wales and south-west England. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for high winds, which will be active from 10 PM on December 4 until 4 PM on December 5, affecting areas from Dorset to Cornwall and up to north Wales.
Heavy rain is expected to begin impacting travel this evening. The yellow warning for rain extends to a wider area, reaching as far east as Hampshire and Oxfordshire from 6 PM on December 4 until 6 PM on December 5. Authorities are warning of potential flooding that could cut off some communities and disrupt power supplies.
According to the Met Office, gusts of wind could reach up to 40 mph, particularly along coastal routes where large waves and spray may pose additional hazards. Firefighters in Seaford, East Sussex, responded to incidents over the weekend as high winds caused property damage, underscoring the urgency of these warnings.
The Met Office’s deputy chief meteorologist, Dan Holley, stated, “Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.” He emphasized that many areas will experience periods of heavy rain, particularly given the already saturated ground conditions.
In addition to the warnings for Wales and south-west England, another rain warning has been issued for north-west England from midnight on December 5 until 3 PM that day. A separate wind warning is also in effect for north-west Scotland, running from 3 PM on December 5 until 10 AM on December 6.
This severe weather pattern follows a yellow warning for heavy rain that was already in place in Northern Ireland on December 3. Early Monday, a total of 12 flood warnings were active across England, highlighting the widespread impacts of the ongoing weather.
As conditions continue to evolve, the public is urged to remain vigilant and prepared for possible travel delays and power outages. The Met Office is closely monitoring the situation and may issue further updates as necessary.
Stay tuned for continuous updates on this developing story as we keep an eye on the unfolding weather events. Share this information with friends and family to keep them informed about the potential risks associated with this severe weather system.
