Flood fears
» Two months’ rain in just 36 hours forecast » Warnings in many areas as Christoph hits
LARGE parts of the country are braced for widespread flooding after forecasters predicted two months’ rain in 36 hours.
The Met Office said nearly 8in could fall in some regions and has issued an amber rain alert in an area around Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield and stretching down to Peterborough, Cambs.
Manchester, Merseyside, Yorkshire and Lancashire are predicted to see the wettest conditions from 6am until midday on Thursday due to Storm Christoph.
Nearly 3in is expected to fall but in parts of the northern Peak District and southern Pennines, and North Wales, 8in could be possible.
Ground saturated by snowmelt could be inundated, flooding roads and affecting public transport, the Met Office said. It warned of a “danger to life” due to fast-flowing water.
Chief meteorologist Dan Suri said: “As well as heavy rain, strong winds and the potential for snow and ice will add to the unsettled, blustery feel, especially in higher and more exposed locations.”
Last night there were nine flood warnings in place including along the River Ouse in York. There were also 103 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible, across the east of England, the Midlands and the North.
Defences including temporary barriers and the opening of flood storage reservoirs are being prepared, the Environment Agency said.
The agency’s Katherine Wright said it will be working with local authorities to help with evacuation efforts should a severe flood warning be issued. “If you do need to evacuate then that is allowed within the Covid rules the Government has,” she said.