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Rain

Southern UK Braces for Heavy Rainfall, Floods, and Power Cuts

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A potent storm system is heading towards the southern United Kingdom, bringing with it the threat of heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and potential power cuts. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for the entire period of Thursday and Friday, encompassing most of southern England and South Wales. The warning is in place due to the expected heavy, thundery rain, which could result in fast-flowing and deep floodwater, damaging buildings and homes, and even causing travel disruptions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for the southern UK, covering most of southern England and South Wales, from Thursday to Friday, with the possibility of flooding, power cuts, and travel disruptions.
  • The region can expect up to 80mm to 100mm of rain, roughly matching the average rainfall for September in the UK, with heavy downpours and possibly 80 to 100 mm of rain in the same locations.
  • The second half of Thursday is likely to see the most significant heavy rain, with persistent rain taking its toll into Friday, increasing the risk of weather-related impacts.
  • Rainfall totals of 15-30 mm are expected widely on Friday, but with the potential for 40-60 mm in the wettest areas and as much as 75-100 mm in a few areas.
  • Buildings could be damaged, homes and businesses flooded, and power cuts could occur due to the heavy rain and persistent rain on Friday.
  • The southern UK is expected to be much drier on Saturday, but then experience pockets of rain on Sunday.

Statistics:

  • Up to 80mm to 100mm of rain is expected to fall in some areas over the next 48 hours.
  • The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for the southern UK from now until the close of play on Friday.

*_average rainfall for September in the UK is roughly matched by the expected rainfall on Thursday and Friday.

  • 15-30 mm of rainfall is expected to fall widely on Friday.
  • 40-60 mm of rainfall is expected in the wettest areas on Friday.
  • A lower likelihood of 75-100 mm of rainfall exists in a few areas on Friday.
  • The region is expected to be much drier on Saturday, with pockets of rain returning on Sunday.

Sources:

  • Met Office

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