New flooding fears after heavy rain forecast

Flood-ravaged communities could be cut off once again, the Met Office warned yesterday, as three weeks’ worth of rain was forecast to fall in less than 24 hours.

An amber “potential threat to life” warning was issued for parts of mid and north-west Wales, which face the threat of power cuts, fast-flowing floodwater and damage to homes and businesses. Delays and cancellations to bus and train services were expected as up to 100millimetres of rainfall was expected overnight and into today.

A broader, yellow warning was issued for Wales, much of which was flooded during Storm Dennis, as well as a large swathe of northern England including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield and Huddersfield.

Up to 50mm of rain – a little under half the monthly average for March – was forecast in those areas from 6pm yesterday until midday today as the Met Office said homes and businesses “could be flooded”.

John Griffiths, a forecaster, said: “We are expecting heavy rain in these areas and there will be surface impact – there will be up to 100mm on higher ground. There will likely be coastal impacts due to the large waves, strong winds and low pressure.” Greg Dewhurst, a meteorologist, added: “The ground is already saturated and with all the rainfall we have had over recent weeks, it is likely to lead to further flooding.”

While there are no weather warnings in place for later in the week, there will be widespread showers, meaning flood-hit areas will get little respite.

On Sunday, Boris Johnson was heckled when he visited the town of Bewdley in Worcestershire on the River Severn, which saw some of the worst flooding in the country in February.

The Prime Minister has been heavily criticised for failing to visit flood-hit communities during the crises.