The Met office has announced a yellow weather warning as the wet weather continues across the UK. Rain is predicted for most of this week after heavy downpours over the weekend in the south-eastern parts of England.
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Businesses and homes are braced for flooding and public transport could also be affected as the storm continues. Met office forecaster, Simon Partridge commented, as per the Independent:
We are expecting to see 15 to 25mm of rain but it’s basically mainly associated with some heavy showers.
Impact
Motorists are being urged to be careful as driving this week will be difficult in many areas. Roads have been completely submerged in the areas worst affected around the south west, including Devon and Cornwall.
As the week goes on the south eastern areas are increasingly affected with the Met Office warning, as per the Guardian:
Heavy downpours could lead to the flooding of homes and businesses and affect public transport in an area stretching from Chichester in West Sussex, to Canterbury, Kent.
In addition to the rain, gales, which are strong winds, are expected along the Celtic and Irish Sea coastlines. These are expected to also move down to the south of England, Wales and Scotland, reports The Times.
Hosepipe ban
Bizarrely, despite persistent rain, there is still a hosepipe ban in place. Thames Water announced that restrictions are still active after a particularly dry summer, as per The Times:
Following months of below-average rain, we currently have a hosepipe ban (also known as a temporary use ban) in force across our region. We’ve seen some wet weather in recent weeks, but still need a lot more — river levels are well below average and reservoirs at their lowest level since 2003.
Yorkshire water also confirmed they have a hosepipe ban, stating that by October 23, rainfall was still 27 per cent below average. The ban is expected to stay in place until next year, as per The Times.
The wet weather is also putting a lot of pressure on the country’s sewage and drainage systems with one London resident describing them as ‘unfit for purpose’ in the Guardian. With persistent wind and rain throughout the week, things look like they are going to get worse before they get better.
Sources used:
- The Guardian 'UK weather: yellow flood warning in place for parts of south-east England'
-The Independent 'UK weather: Fresh flood warnings as week of heavy downpours begins'
- The Times 'Floods close roads as homeowners prepare for more downpours'
