On Thursday, parts of the UK are set to experience heavy rain and strong winds, according to a Met Office warning. This follows a challenging day for passengers on Wednesday, who faced train cancellations due to flooding between Plymouth and Exeter St David’s in southwest England.
Great Western Railway (GWR) reported that the line towards Exeter St David’s was blocked, leading to possible cancellations and delays throughout the day.
By 7 pm on Wednesday, the Environment Agency had issued 35 flood warnings and 199 flood alerts. The Met Office’s yellow warning for Thursday indicates further potential disruption across various regions.
Recent rainfall has been substantial, with 68mm recorded at Whitebarrow on Dartmoor and 63mm at Coniston Coppermines, Cumbria.
Met Office warns of potential flooding and gusty winds, impacting southern and eastern England.A band of rain is expected to move eastward across England on Thursday, clearing by early evening. Areas including the East Midlands, London, Southeast England, Southwest England, and the West Midlands are advised to prepare for possible flooding and disruptions.
The Met Office predicts heavy rain, with 10-15mm expected in most areas and up to 30-40mm in some, potentially on already saturated ground. Lightning and gusty winds are additional hazards, with wind gusts potentially reaching 50mph in certain areas.
A separate yellow wind warning is in effect from 8 am to 6 pm on Thursday, with gusts of around 50mph possible and the risk of hail and thunder.
There is also a slight chance of stronger winds, up to 60-70mph, particularly near the English Channel and southern North Sea coasts.
Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen highlighted that the weather will include heavy, squally rain with potential hail and thunder, and advised that the combination of rain and strong winds could lead to flooding and further disruption.