Communities battle floods as Met Office issues warning of more rain

18 February 2024 , 17:45

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Homes and businesses were flooded in the village of Croscombe, Somerset when the River Sheppy burst its banks (Image: JASON BRYANT/APEX)

Large parts of the country have been battered by heavy rain after torrential downpours sparked flooding and travel chaos.

Roads have been cut off, leaving rural communities with disrupted connections to the outside world as rivers burst their banks causing misery for thousands of Brits.

Some of the areas worst hit by flooding are facing yet more rain this afternoon as the Met Office has issued a yellow alert for the south east of England as the heavy showers persist.

Sunday afternoon saw a break in the weather and sunny spells for some parts of the UK but forecasters have warned that the “next area of rain” is due to drench northwest England and Wales tomorrow.

A whopping 50 flood warnings remain in place for England in areas where flooding is expected, meanwhile 20 flood alerts in force for Wales, meaning flooding is possible after a month’s worth of rain fell in 24 hours this week.

Met Office says UK will be battered by monster rain storm with 4 inches falling

Communities battle floods as Met Office issues warning of more rain

Landlord Peter Graham gives out tea in Croscombe, Somerset (JASON BRYANT/APEX)

White Barrow in Devon saw 72mm of rainfall between 3pm Saturday and 8am Sunday while Priddy in Somerset got 52mm and Croeserw, West Glamorgan saw 48mm.

The River Sheppy burst its banks today causing chaos in the Somerset village of Croscombe, with homes and businesses flooded and widespread disruption to travel in the area.

National bus and rail services are also expected to be impacted by flooding and motorists have been warned to check for road closures which will impact journey times.

Croscombe, Somerset where heavy rain has cased flooding chaos (JASON BRYANT/APEX)

The current band of heavy rain that has been sweeping the country is expected to clear this afternoon with bright spells of weather following behind.

Forecaster Craig Snell said: 'The ground is already a little bit more saturated across England and Wales compared to Scotland and Northern Ireland, so they'll be a little more sensitive to the rainfall.

'Some parts could see disruption, transport may be a little bit delayed and if you're driving on the roads your journey may take a little bit longer due to spray and road closures.'

Flooding closed the the B1040 road in the Peterborough are where leves in the River Nene have been rising (Paul Jacobs/pictureexclusive.com)

The Met Office added: 'Bus and train services are probably going to 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, [with] some interruption to power supplies and other services.'

The Met office warned: “Rain, sometimes heavy, will sweep southeastwards overnight alongside a strengthening breeze.” However as the week goes on conditions are set to improve.

On Monday the forecaster said “Rain will clear the southeast during the morning with any fog clearing too. Otherwise another fine day. Some showers in the northwest followed by rain later. Breezy. Around normal temperatures.”