Flood alerts as month’s rain falls in a weekend
THE UK’s wet weekend resulted in an extension of a weather warning for rain across parts of England and Wales.
Some places in Somerset and Hampshire had more than a month’s worth of rainfall in 42 hours, as the Met Office issued warnings not seen since March.
The amber warning in place in Wales, the West Midlands and into western parts of southern England, was due to expire at 6am yesterday but was extended until midday.
The public were warned to expect flooding and transport disruption, with more than 50 flood alerts and a small number of flood warnings issued.
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said areas within the amber warning areas could see 20mm of rain, with as much as 50mm over higher ground yesterday.
According to the Met Office rainfall gauges at Blackpitts Gate in Exmoor showed 124mm of rain since Friday, about a month’s worth of rainfall in 42 hours.
At 3am only Princes Marsh in Hampshire had had as much rain since Storm Alex swept in on Friday.
Brendan Hill Farm in Somerset was also on the list of the wettest places highlighted by the Met Office as the county was warned to brace itself for flooding over the coming days.
There are three flood warnings, including on the River Brue.
Gloucestershire was hit with heavy rain and strong winds on Saturday.
And a flood alert was in force for the River Avon in Worcestershire, with the government advising flooding is possible and asking residents to be prepared.
The alert said: “River levels are forecast to rise at the Evesham river gauge as a result of persistent heavy rainfall.
“Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is possible between 5am and 9am tomorrow, Sunday 04/10/20.
“We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads adjacent the River Avon from Abbotts Salford to Tewkesbury.
“Other locations that may be affected include Offenham, Evesham, Twyning and the Eckington Road.”
There was also a warning of possible flooding at Broadway and Winchcombe.
Elsewhere, a family of four had to be rescued by firefighters from a road in Billericay, Essex, on Saturday morning after their car became trapped in floodwater, while police forces across the country issued warnings to drivers after a number of crashes on waterlogged roads.
ScotRail said following Saturday’s bad weather, affected areas will need to be checked first thing yesterday morning to make sure routes are safe for services to run, resulting in some lines being closed.
RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said that road conditions would be “miserable if not downright dangerous” for drivers this weekend.
He said drivers need to be prepared for “an ugly mix” of surface spray, gusty winds and more than likely some disruption on the roads.