16 February 2024 , 10:51
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All of England and Wales will experience a washout this weekend - with flooding feared.
The Met Office has taken the rare decision to issue all of England and Wales with a huge weather warning. It says: "An area of persistent and occasionally heavy rain is expected to move from west to east across the warning area during Saturday and Sunday, falling on already saturated ground. Rain will clear western areas early Sunday, whilst rate of clearance from east and southeast England is open to some uncertainty, but all areas should become dry by evening."
After around one month's rain already fell in less than 24 hours across parts of the UK this week, fears of flooding have increased, particularly southern England, as water levels are generally high already following a wet February. There is particular concern for River Severn in Gloucestershire and multiple rivers across the Home Counties. It contrasts hugely to last year when the UK experienced its driest February in 30 years - with on average just 15.3mm of rain falling.
Rain will batter the country this weekend (Getty Images)The Met Office had said earlier this week flooding and loss of power were likely after the first deluge. The same hazards are expected again across the weekend. Its website says;
- Bus and train services will probably be affected with journey times taking longer
- Spray and flooding on roads will probably make journey times longer
- Flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely
- Some interruption to power supplies and other services is likely
The weather warning covers all of England and Wales (Met Office)
A vehicle passes through flood water near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, today (PA)The worst of this weekend's downpours will be on Saturday afternoon and throughout Sunday. A band of rain is moving from west to east, forecasters say. The weather warning is in place from 3pm on Saturday to 6pm on Sunday, but it is likely showers will occur outside these hours.
Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts
Nearly 30mm of rain fell across Cumbria on Thursday. It was also wet across Wales, where more than 20mm of rain battered Capel Curig, Conwy. Due to this, ground is saturated and flood warnings are in place across England and Wales, notably across the Midlands and Home Counties.
Torrential is on its way - yet again in this wet February (Getty Images)There is particular concern for River Severn in various spots in Gloucestershire and several warnings and alerts are in place across Oxfordshire, including points along River Thames. Environment Agency says River Dene in Walton, Warwickshire, is also likely to flood. Experts say Brits should check if their property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
" Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary," the Met Office says on its website.