Parts of the UK face a "danger to life" from heavy rainfall on Monday, with the Met Office issuing an amber warning for most of South Wales until midnight. Nearly a month's worth of rain could fall in just 24 hours.
The amber alert warns that «fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, which could cause a danger to life». Up to 120mm of rain is forecast for the highest ground in the warning zone, with 20mm to 40mm expected widely and up to 80mm likely in hilly areas.
Yellow rain warnings are also in force for parts of south-west and north-west England and central and northern Wales until 3am Tuesday. A separate yellow warning for south-west Scotland expires at 9pm Monday.
Flooding risk escalates
The Environment Agency has posted five flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, alongside 44 flood alerts indicating possible flooding. Natural Resources Wales has listed 38 alerts.
Marco Petagna, senior operational meteorologist at the Met Office, said on Friday: «All areas have seen above normal rainfall, Scotland and Northern Ireland are less of an issue of tomorrow, away from south-west of Scotland. It's mostly parts of England and Wales – many areas have already seen well-above normal rainfall and another several inches to come.»
The Met Office described Monday's weather as «a significant event for many».
Already saturated ground
The heavy rainfall comes after an exceptionally wet November. Wales has already recorded around 240mm of rain this month, compared to its November average of 162mm. England and Wales combined have received 143% of their normal rainfall.
This saturation increases the flood risk significantly. The amber warning notes that «heavy rain is likely to bring some disruption and probable flooding on Monday».
Strong south to south-westerly winds will accompany the rain, with gales possible around coasts and over high ground. The warning also highlights an increased chance of landslides on both natural and infrastructure slopes.
Potential disruption
Officials warn that homes and businesses could be flooded, with possible transport cancellations and power cuts. Some communities could be cut off by flooded roads.
Petagna explained the Met Office's focus on Monday's event: «No warnings are expected to be issued today for beyond tomorrow – it's partly so we don't distract from what could be a significant event for many tomorrow and the weather generally isn't as impactful at this stage for Tuesday and Wednesday, it's brighter, more showery.»
Records from the British Geological Survey indicate that the quantity of rain forecast for Monday has previously triggered landslides in Wales.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
