BRITAIN ON FLOOD ALERT AS STORMS SWEEP IN
BRITAIN is on flood alert today, with a raft of weather warnings putting a damper on Valentine’s Day.
Forecasters have warned of torrential downpours followed by an icy blast as bitter winds blow in from the North Pole tonight.
Temperatures were heading for -7C (19F) in rural areas last night as much of the country was hit by freezing conditions.
The Environment Agency yesterday issued seven flood alerts across the South.
Waterlogged roads are also at risk of freezing over with lethal ice as temperatures plunge ahead of the weekend.
Northern Britain caught the latest bout of snowfall yesterday, with further wintry showers forecast over the next two days.
Heavy rain and strong winds lashed the South West yesterday morning, knocking out power supplies and causing chaos on the roads. The Met Office has forecast more rain throughout today, with almost an inch threatening to drench the worst-hit regions.
An Environment Agency spokesman said: “Local surface water flooding is possible in the South West and Wales on Wednesday, with river flooding also possible.
“Land and roads may flood and there may be disruption to travel.” A cold and windy outlook for the rest of the week will bring wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow across the North.
The Met Office and Public Health England have extended an “alert and readiness” cold weather health warning into Friday.
The Met has warned there is an 80 per cent chance of severe cold weather over the next two days, which will put elderly and vulnerable people at risk. The mercury will struggle to rise beyond single figures over the coming days, apart from in the South, where it may touch 10C.
Sub-zero overnight temperatures will hold out through the weekend amid warnings the severe cold weather will last into March.
Met Office forecaster Charlie Powell said: “Wednesday is looking worse than Tuesday, with wind and heavy rain setting in from the morning. A cosy night in is probably the best option.
“The day will start off cold with a frost likely before the next band of rain moves through. This will be heavy, accompanied by some strong winds which will coincide with morning and evening rush hours.
“We expect a more active weather system than we saw on Tuesday so if you like the rain you’re in luck, otherwise it is a miserable day.
“We expect further wintry showers through the rest of this week.”