The Met Office has issued a heavy rain warning for Cumbria, as Storm Alex, a weather system named by Météo-France earlier this week, clips the southern edge of Britain.
Heavy rain will push north and west across the UK on Saturday, becoming slow moving and persistent and last through Saturday night into Sunday over eastern Scotland, much of Wales, and the west of England.
Many places will see 25-50 mm of rainfall, with totals of 70-90 mm expected over some high ground.
The highest totals are likely over the high ground of eastern Scotland, north Wales and southwest England where a few places may see over 120 mm of rain.
The unusual wind direction associated with the rainfall will mean that the peak rainfall totals are likely to occur in some areas that are usually well sheltered and drier during unsettled spells of weather.
Steve Ramsdale, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “It’ll be quite a miserable end to the working week for southern and south-west England as Storm Alex brings heavy rain and strong winds tomorrow, with coastal gales of around 60-65mph for some.
“Away from the south it’ll be a more pleasant day, with light winds and bright spells for much of northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, as the strong winds and rain associated with Storm Alex clear away from Britain later on Friday, another low-pressure system moves towards the UK from the east bringing further very heavy rain and strong winds to many over the weekend.”
Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Nick Silkstone, said: “Saturday will be a very wet day as heavy bands of rain push north and west across the country, followed by showery rain on Sunday. It’ll be cold and windy too with a risk of coastal gales in some areas. The Met Office has issued a rain warning covering large parts of the country over the weekend and we’re urging people to keep a close eye on the weather forecast and warnings during this spell of disruptive weather.”
Jonathan Day, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Heavy rain will bring the potential for surface water flooding and perhaps some river flooding across the south of England on Friday. More widespread and persistent heavy rain across much of England will bring the potential for further river and surface water flooding over the weekend.
“Environment Agency teams have been working hard to clear grills and weed screens in areas which may be affected, and are ready to support local authorities leading on responses to surface water flooding incidents, should they occur. We urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive though flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.
“You can check your flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at https://www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates.”
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Heavy rain will make road conditions miserable if not downright dangerous for drivers this weekend, and they’ll need to be prepared for an ugly mix of surface spray, gusty winds and more than likely some disruption on the roads.
“Floods are also a possibility so drivers should remember never to attempt to drive through water unless they know for sure that it’s shallow enough. For drivers who are unlucky enough to breakdown in the horrid conditions, our patrols will be working around the clock to get them moving again.”
What to expect
- Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
- Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life
- Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible
- Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads
- Possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses
