Flood alerts as snow starts to thaw
BRITAIN is braced for flooding with forecasts for heavy rain and melting snow sparking a raft of warnings for this weekend.
Environment Agency officials last night issued a raft of 20 flood alerts.
Recent wintry showers followed by milder temperatures and torrential downpours have kick-started a mini-thaw.
Scotland, Wales, the Midlands and regions which saw the heaviest snowfall are on alert for flooding in the coming days. Forecasters predict temperatures could lift into double figures next week, but not before another spell of freezing conditions. An Environment Agency spokesman said: “We will be carefully monitoring the potential for flooding as snow melts.
“There may be a risk surface water flooding.”
Arctic conditions will grip Britain today and tomorrow as officials extend their cold weather health warnings.
Elderly people and those with medical conditions are urged to take care with further snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures forecast.
Daytime highs tomorrow will of river or struggle to get above 0C (32F) in Scotland with much of the country hovering in low single figures.
Icy winds will make it feel close to -14C over high ground in the North with windchill temperature in the South of around -5C.
However, the mercury could lift into double figures by next week with highs of 52F in parts.
Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said another change in wind direction on Monday will bring a milder “tropical” air mass across the country.
She said: “It is going to turn colder from Friday but we are not expecting it to be as bad as it was last weekend. There is a chance of snow over high ground, particularly in the North, but there will also be a risk of some heavy rain into Saturday.”
Health campaigners and charities have urged people with health conditions to stay indoors when it is especially cold.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, warned that older people are at risk of a stroke, raised blood pressure, colds and flu.
She said: “Very cold weather can have a serious impact on elderly people because older bodies find it harder to adjust to big changes in temperature. The cold raises blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke and breathing in cold air can also increase the risk of serious illnesses like flu and pneumonia.
“We advise people to take simple precautions such as wrapping up warm when going outside, sleeping with the windows closed at night and having plenty of hot food and drinks.”
Dr Penny Woods, chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: “If you’re not feeling well or are having trouble breathing, stay indoors and keep warm.”