A relentless deluge is poised to batter parts of England and Wales, triggering urgent warnings and prompting authorities to brace for significant flooding. The worst of the storm, initially predicted to linger, now appears to be easing slightly, but the threat remains critically high.
Northwest England is currently under an amber warning for rain, now adjusted to conclude by 4:00 AM Monday morning. This signifies a heightened risk of disruption and potential danger, while broader yellow warnings extend across much of northern England and Wales throughout Monday.
Meteorologists forecast a staggering 50-80 millimeters of rainfall across southern and southwestern Wales, with isolated areas potentially exceeding 100 millimeters. Cumbria faces a similar fate, bracing for up to 100 millimeters of intense precipitation.
The danger isn’t simply the volume of rain, but the condition of the land itself. Recent weeks of persistent wet weather have left the ground saturated, drastically increasing the likelihood of both surface water flooding and overflowing rivers.
Jonathan Day, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, emphasized the potential for “significant surface water flooding impacts” across northern England over the weekend and into Monday. River flooding is also a major concern, with possible impacts extending beyond the most vulnerable areas.
Environment Agency teams are actively working to mitigate the effects of the impending floods and provide support to affected communities. A stark warning has been issued: never attempt to drive through floodwater, as even a mere 30 centimeters can sweep a car away.
Areas under yellow warnings should prepare for hazardous driving conditions due to spray and flooding, alongside the possibility of power outages. These regions could receive up to 60 millimeters of rain on Monday, adding to the already saturated ground.
Specific locations are already facing imminent flood risks. Keswick Campsite, along with sections of the River Cocker, River Ehen, and River Rothay, are under close observation and potential evacuation orders may be issued.
While the severe weather is expected to subside on Tuesday, a final yellow warning remains in place for the far southeast. The rest of the country can anticipate a brief respite with drier, brighter conditions.
However, this calm is fleeting. Another low-pressure system is rapidly approaching from the Atlantic, promising further wet and windy weather to return on Wednesday, continuing the cycle of relentless rainfall.
