UK weather – latest: Snow and a ‘month’s worth of rain’ to hit Scotland amid flood alerts
Winds of up to 50mph possible near the coast
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The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning over parts of Scotland for Friday as “over a month’s rain” is expected to fall over 24 hours, with the highlands likely to receive snow.
Areas near the coast could see gusts of around 50mph while parts of eastern of Scotland could see rainfall of up to 100mm across the hills of Angus and Aberdeenshire.
The weather service also said fast-flowing water and deep floodwater is likely to cause “danger to life”.
“The heaviest rain will gradually move north on Thursday and Friday, with further warnings issued,” Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said.
Two days of “persistent rain” in Scotland may result in snow falling in the highlands, Met Office spokesperson Craig Snell said, although he added this is not unusual for November.
“If you want to take a walk in the hills in Scotland tomorrow you may come across snow but for the lower levels it is just going to be rain,” he said.
Ongoing chance of flooding as Met Office issues amber warning
An amber warning for rain has been issued by the Met Office, with an ongoing chance of flooding and travel disruption for many.
Low-pressure is gradually moving north over the next couple of days, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds at times.
Areas to the south of the UK have already seen some surface water flooding impacts, but rainfall totals are expected to be higher further north, with in excess of 100 mm of rain possible over a 24-hour period within the amber warning area, which covers parts of eastern Scotland. The amber warning comes into force from early Friday morning through to the afternoon.
Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: “Bands of rain associated with this low-pressure will be heavy in places and will bring with it the potential for some flooding and travel disruption.
“The heaviest rain will gradually move north on Thursday and Friday, with further warnings issued. Parts of eastern of Scotland are likely to see between 50 and 70 mm of rain, with in excess of 100 mm possible across the hills of Angus and Aberdeenshire. Coupled with this system are some strong winds, with gusts of around 50 mph possible along coasts.
“The heaviest rain will relent late on Friday for those in the north and east, although it will leave behind some lighter rain for a time on Saturday.”
Amber warning issued across parts of Scotland
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for parts of Scotland on Friday as heavy and persistant rain is likely to cause disruption and flooding.
“Heavy rain within the warning area, beginning on Thursday, and lasting well into Friday, is likely to produce over 100 mm of rain in all, with parts of the Grampians and Cairngorm perhaps seeing upwards of 150 mm. Rain should ease later Friday, although rivers may continue to run high beyond this,” the weather service said.
RAC advises drivers ‘slow down’ as rain batters UK
A spokesperson from RAC breakdown advised drivers to take care in the wet weather.
“The chances of being involved in a collision rise dramatically in wet weather, and even more so if there’s snow, so it’s vital drivers slow down, leave plenty of space behind the vehicle in front and use their lights to make sure they are easily seen by other road users,” Rod Dennis said.
“The risk of aquaplaning where a vehicle’s wheels lose contact with the road as they skim across standing water will be high, particularly for those who do not slow down to appropriate speeds for the conditions.”
Environment Agency warns motorists to avoid flood waters
The Environment Agency has warned motorists not to drive through flood waters.
It comes after up to 20 cars were stuck on a flooded road in West Sussex.
The EA tweeted: “Just 30cm of water is enough to move a car.”
You can check the flood risk of your area here: https://t.co/uJ27wgPqUT
Stormy weather knocks down tree, blocking highway
Winchester Police reported the highway on Gravel Hill, Swanmore on Wednesday evening was blocked by a “large, triple trunk” tree that had fallen following heavy rains and strong winds.
The road was later cleared and reopened.
The Environment Agency has issued 25 flood warnings and 99 flood alerts across England, according to their latest update.
Flood warnings mean flooding is expected whereas flood alerts is where flooding is possible.
Watch: Nearly 20 cars stuck in flood water on the A27
Severe flooding o the A27 left up to 20 cars stuck in flood water as the road was closed in both directions between Emsworth and Chichester following heavy rain, according to West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.
Met Office issues three yellow weather warnings
The Met Office has issued three yellow weather warnings across Scotland, northern England and northern Ireland.
Snow to hit UK as ‘atrocious’ rainfall leaves cars submerged in flood water
The UK is set for “atrocious” levels of rainfall, with motorists being warned to avoid the roads after cars were left submerged in flood water overnight.
A yellow rain warning covers a large area of the UK for the whole of Thursday, from 12am until 11.59pm, with forecasters warning there is a small chance of homes and businesses flooding, communities being temporarily cut off by flooded roads and disruptions to transport.
“The warning areas are where we are most concerned about the risk of flooding but it doesn’t mean that the areas outside them are not going to see some pretty atrocious conditions,” Met Office spokesperson Craig Snell said.
Read more here:
Snow to hit UK as ‘atrocious’ rainfall leaves cars submerged in flood water
Met Office issues three yellow weather warnings
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