Parts of the UK are experiencing severe flooding following heavy rains, with weather warnings remaining in effect for additional flooding and strong winds. On Thursday night, roads in Wiltshire and Somerset, including the village of Exebridge near the Devon and Somerset border, were submerged.
Heavy rainfall caused disruptions on train lines between Bristol and Swindon and between Swindon and Chippenham in Wiltshire. Network Rail indicated that passenger disruptions would likely continue into Friday.
Transport For Wales reported blockages on four railway lines: Cardiff Central to Bridgend, Pontypridd to Treherbert, Abercynon to Aberdare, and Newtown to Shrewsbury. The Met Office noted some areas received 82mm (3.2 inches) of rain between Wednesday evening and Thursday lunchtime.
A yellow weather warning for rain ended at 5 pm on Thursday for parts of south-west England, Wales, Herefordshire, and Shropshire.
Widespread disruptions affect transport and power, with continued weather warnings for rain and wind across various regionsFlood barriers were set up along the River Severn, including in Bewdley, Worcestershire, which frequently experiences severe flooding. Gloucestershire also saw significant flooding on Wednesday. Additionally, 600 homes, mainly in Newport, were without power. The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported that Porth and Pontypridd were particularly affected by flooding.
The adverse weather is expected to continue into the weekend, with a yellow wind warning in effect until 3 am on Friday for coastal areas of north-west England and Northern Ireland. The Met Office advised travelers to allow extra time for their journeys due to strong winds, which might isolate some communities due to flooded roads.
Stephen Dixon from the Met Office noted that the heaviest rain has shifted eastward, affecting northern parts of the UK. Persistent rain is anticipated to return on Friday night and into Saturday, with the heaviest rainfall expected in northern Wales, northern England, and Scotland.
The Environment Agency issued 71 flood warnings and 164 flood alerts across England, while Natural Resources Wales issued 15 flood warnings and 30 flood alerts. Flood warnings were also in place for parts of Scotland.