Weather forecast: Weekend of torrential rain expected as Met Office issues four warnings

Meteorologists sound alarm over hazardous conditions, especially for drivers

Torrential rain is forecast to sweep the country over the weekend, with four weather warnings in force across England and Scotland.

A rain warning is currently in place in southwest England and the Met Office said this area of low pressure was due to move north overnight into Saturday.

On Saturday, two yellow weather warnings will be in place for England and two for eastern Scotland, signalling potentially hazardous conditions.

Alex Burkill, a meteorologist from the Met Office, told The Independent: “It is an area of low pressure from the south of the UK that is bringing unsettled weather and blustery winds.

“This heavy rain will then push northwards and will affect particularly the northeast before reaching Scotland.

“We have three levels of warnings and yellow is the lowest. But I can’t say there is no risk-to-life weather and people need to be careful in these areas as it is particularly hazardous when driving with spray on the roads.

“People also need to be aware of flooding, which we have seen through this autumn.

“For most, it is going to be a cloudy weekend and quite blustery too, which is to be expected around this time of year.”

By Sunday, the weather warnings will remain for Scotland, but the rest of the UK can expect cloudy conditions and light rain.

The warnings come after a sodden November that has seen severe flooding in parts of the country, especially South Yorkshire where residents had to be evacuated after the River Don burst its banks.

There will be two yellow weather warnings for England and two yellow warnings for Scotland by Saturday (Met Office)

The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings and 45 serious flood alerts for the weekend.

A warning by the organisation says: “Local surface water and river flooding is also possible in southwest England and southwest Wales on Friday and more widely across parts of England and Wales on Saturday and into Sunday.

“Local surface water and river flooding is also possible across parts of the south of England and possible but not expected more widely across England and Wales on Monday.

“Land, roads and some properties may flood and there may be travel disruption.”