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UK weather – live: Flood alerts still in place in aftermath of Hurricane Nigel as more rain forecast

Flood warnings remain in place amidst Hurricane Nigel chaos

Athena Stavrou,Lydia Patrick
Friday 22 September 2023 11:31 BST
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Met office announcement

Britain was hit by torrential rain yesterday as the remnants of Hurricane Nigel and Lee continue to sweep across the UK and flood warnings remain in place.

The storm initially formed in the centre of the Atlantic on Saturday but quickly picked up power, developing into a Category 1 hurricane on Monday morning.

Forecasters say while Nigel has likely peaked as it moved across the Atlantic, strong winds are still expected. Flood warnings remain in place across Hertfordshire and Gloucestershire.

As the effects of Hurricane Nigel die down, Britons can mostly expect a brighter day today with some showers in the north west and south east.

Winds are expected in the north west.

The Met Office added: “In the afternoon, the scattered showers will become widespread across the UK, staying light. Patchy cloud and sunny spells. There is going to be a gentle to moderate westerly breeze.”

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Londoners spot rainbows in brief break from extreme weather

West Londoners spotted a double rainbow this evening as torrential rain paused for a brief moment.

One social media user snapped a photo of the rainbows and wrote: “Double the rainbow, double the luck?”

West Londoners spotted a double rainbow as the rain stopped for a moment
West Londoners spotted a double rainbow as the rain stopped for a moment (Amal Abid)
Athena Stavrou21 September 2023 19:00
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Britons report “showering outside” as torrential rain continues

Social media users have warned others, “don’t go out”, as torrential rain sweeps over the UK.

One user said: “Friends. Don’t go out in the supposed light rain in london im literally showering outside.”

Athena Stavrou21 September 2023 18:30
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Met office advise commuters to have “umbrella or raincoat” for thundery journey home

The Met Office have advised Britons to have an umbrella or raincoat for their journey home this evening as Hurricane Nigel continues to bring heavy rain.

In a tweet, the Met Office wrote: “Have you got an umbrella or raincoat for your journey home?

“Heavy and thundery showers are moving northeast across much of the south of the UK.”

Athena Stavrou21 September 2023 18:11
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Woman suffers “life-changing” injuries after tree fell on her

A woman, in her 30s, has suffered “life-changing” injuries after a tree fell on her this morning amidst storm chaos.

The Metropolitan Police were called at 9:28am this morning to assist a woman on Fulham Palace Road in Hammersmith, London.

A spokesperson from Met Police said: “Officers attended along with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

“The woman, aged in her 30s, was taken to hospital where her injuries were assessed as not life-threatening, however may be life-changing.”

They also confirmed that a second woman was treated for minor injuries.

A woman was rushed to hospital with “life-changing” injuries after a tree fell on her this morning (James Manning/PA)
A woman was rushed to hospital with “life-changing” injuries after a tree fell on her this morning (James Manning/PA) (PA Archive)
Athena Stavrou21 September 2023 17:00
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Hurricane Nigel to bring the UK a wet weekend

Extreme weather conditions brought by the Category 1 Hurricane Nigel are expected to bring the UK a wet weekend.

While a ridge of high pressure will bring a “fine start to the weekend”, the west of the UK will see the influence of Hurricane Nigel.

The Met Office predict that persistent, and at times heavy, rain is likely to influence the weather from the west by Saturday afternoon, with further rain likely on Sunday and Monday.

Unfortunately, the continuation of the adverse weather could bring some disruption for some through the weekend and into early next week.

Britain is set for a rainy weekend thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Nigel
Britain is set for a rainy weekend thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Nigel (AFP via Getty Images)
Athena Stavrou21 September 2023 16:30
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Londoners expect to "hear sirens very soon” as extreme weather continues

Social media users have shared their latest fears as rain from Hurricane Nigel and Lee picks up again.

One social media user said that he expects “to hear sirens wailing very soon” following a downpour of rain over his south London home.

Half an inch of rain fell in ten minutes this afternoon, with more downpours expected later.

Half an inch of rain fell within ten minutes in some parts of London
Half an inch of rain fell within ten minutes in some parts of London (PA)
Athena Stavrou21 September 2023 15:49
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Met Office forecast warns of heavy showers and thunder this afternoon

The Met Office have predicted “some heavy and thundery” rainfall later in the day.

Although the day started out largely clear for most of the UK, Britons can expect wetter conditions with persistent wind.

Showers are expected to persist in the far west and and southeast throughout the night.

Athena Stavrou21 September 2023 15:04
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Met Office Advice for driving in storms

The Met Office says that if a road is flooded to “turn around, don’t drown” as the number one cause of death during flooding is driving through flood water.

They say that just 12 inches of moving water can float your car, potentially taking it into deeper water.

Other advice issued includes choosing main roads, using dipped headlights and keeping an eye out for gaps between trees, buildings or bridges as you are more likely to be exposed to side winds here.

Drivers tackled tricky conditions on the M5 motorway near Taunton, Somerset
Drivers tackled tricky conditions on the M5 motorway near Taunton, Somerset (Ben Birchall/PA Wire)
Athena Stavrou21 September 2023 14:07
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Satellite footage capture Hurricane Nigel crossing the Atlantic

Hurricane Nigel’s huge eye has been pictured via satellite as it crosses the Atlantic Ocean.

Athena Stavrou21 September 2023 13:35
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Where in Wales is most likely to flood?

The Met Office has issued five flood alerts in Wales.

The most impacted areas include the north east of Wales, near Llangollen, and in the South West, near Lower Towy.

Parts of Snowdonia National Park around the River Dee have also been issued flood alerts.

There are no flood warnings or severe flood warnings as of yet.

Five flood alerts have been issued in Wales
Five flood alerts have been issued in Wales (PA Wire)
Athena Stavrou21 September 2023 12:59

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