Britain on f lood alert

Today we’ll be hit by 2in of rain in just 2 hours

SWATHES of the country have been placed on flood alert amid warnings that more than 2in of rain could fall in just two hours today.

Forecasters have issued a yellow weather warning stretching from Devon up to Leeds to run from midday to midnight.

The rain is due to batter the country for much of the day while moving north with the heaviest outbreaks set for the afternoon and evening.

The Met Office said 2.3in (60mm) of rain could fall in some areas and it was likely that many others would see up to an inch (25mm).

‘This brings a risk of flooding and disruption but the situation is uncertain,’ added a spokesman. The warning follows a spell of unsettled weather which was already affecting most of England and Wales yesterday.

Mark Wilson, a forecaster at the Met Office, said: ‘It is looking pretty unsettled. Heavy rain across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will push north throughout the day. The rain could cause [road] surface spray, so that could lead to some difficult driving conditions.’

Winds of up to 30mph are also expected in East Anglia and along the North East coast.

There is, however, set to be a let-up from mid-afternoon when drier weather could start heading in from the South and South West.

The warmest temperatures are expected in the South East of England, which could have highs of 16C (61F). The North of England will be slightly cooler, peaking at around 15C (59F).

After a wet day yesterday, the rain was forecast to ease off overnight in most parts before becoming heavy again, bringing the risk of foggy patches across the country this morning.

This evening, downpours could continue to hit the South East and Northern Ireland with lighter rain elsewhere.

Parts of the South West and North East should remain dry although with moderate winds.

Tomorrow is expected to bring better weather with temperatures which could hit 16C (61F). Most Britons can expect to stay drier than they have done recently although there could be scattered showers in the North of England.