Severe weather conditions continue to plague the UK as the country braces itself for another round of heavy rain and strong winds. Following the recent havoc caused by Storm Babet, which resulted in widespread flooding and multiple fatalities, the Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for rain and wind, which are expected to persist until Thursday. The warnings come as a newly named storm, Storm Ciaran, approaches the southern parts of England and Wales, with “unsettled” conditions forecasted for much of the UK.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Chris Almond, has warned that winds associated with Storm Ciaran could gust up to 80mph along the south coast of England, with a small risk of reaching 90mph in exposed areas. Inland regions could also experience gusts of 50-60mph. Additionally, heavy rain is expected to accompany the storm, particularly in southern and western areas. Rainfall amounts ranging from 20 to 25mm are anticipated across the region, with higher ground potentially receiving 40 to 60mm. This poses a significant risk of flooding in areas that are already struggling to recover from the previous week's heavy rainfall.
Sky News weather producer Joanna Robinson has highlighted the possibility of weather warnings being escalated in the coming days as a deep area of low pressure is set to move in on Wednesday night. The already saturated ground increases the risk of fallen trees, further exacerbating the flooding situation in affected areas. Some communities may even face being cut off by flooded roads on Thursday, and the Met Office has issued warnings stating that fast flowing and deep floodwater could pose a danger to life.
The yellow warnings for rain cover southern areas of Northern Ireland, southern Wales, the north and east of Scotland, as well as the northeast and southeast of England. The Met Office has also indicated that transport networks and power supplies could be affected by the heavy rainfall. The Environment Agency has issued a total of 72 flood warnings across the UK, predominantly focused on the south coast, with an additional 175 alerts in place. This follows the closure of shopping centers and holiday parks over the weekend in Sussex due to heavy rain and flooding.
In the midst of the ongoing weather chaos, a tornado has added to the destruction in Littlehampton and Wick on Saturday night. The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) has classified the poor weather conditions as a T4 tornado. The tornado, accompanied by strong winds, blew the roof off a house in West Sussex, sending it flying onto the other side of the street, while also causing damage to street and garden furniture. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported, although one individual residing in the affected house was taken to the hospital for shock. TORRO site investigators have been dispatched to gather more information about the tornado, and they have expressed gratitude towards members of the public who provided eyewitness accounts.
Despite these challenges, the UK remains resilient as it continues to recover from the aftermath of Storm Babet. The storm claimed the lives of at least seven people, including three in Scotland. As the country prepares for the arrival of Storm Ciaran, it is evident that the impact of the severe weather conditions is far from over. The resilience of affected communities will be tested once again, as they strive to cope with the potential consequences of heavy rain, strong winds, and the risk of flooding.
