The Met Office has escalated its weather warnings with a new 33-hour alert, specifically urging households in targeted regions to gather three essential items in preparation for an incoming rain storm. This proactive advisory comes as forecasters predict significant rainfall that could lead to further flooding and widespread travel disruptions across parts of the United Kingdom.
Extended Yellow Warning for Eastern Scotland
Issuing a yellow alert effective from midnight on Saturday through to 9am on Sunday, the Met Office has highlighted risks for specific areas in eastern Scotland. The warning covers parts of Central, Tayside & Fife, including Angus and Perth and Kinross, as well as Grampian regions such as Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. This alert represents an extension of Wednesday's existing yellow warning for rain, which remains active until the end of the day and previously included additional areas like Dundee, Fife, Stirling, Aberdeen, and Highland.
Potential Impacts and Safety Recommendations
According to the Met Office, the persistent and heavy rainfall expected could result in homes and businesses being flooded, with bus and train services likely to face disruptions. Journey times may be significantly delayed due to spray and flooding on roads. In response, authorities are advising residents to plan their journeys in advance and prepare for possible power cuts by gathering torches, batteries, and a mobile phone power pack as part of their emergency kits.
"Following a 3-day spell of very wet weather across this region, with some places having seen in excess of 100 mm, a further day of fairly persistent and at times heavy rain is expected, before easing during Saturday night," stated the Met Office. Many areas within the affected patch are anticipated to receive an additional 20mm to 30mm of rain, with isolated spots potentially seeing up to 50mm.
Separate Alert for South-West England and South Wales
In addition to the Scottish warning, a separate yellow alert for rain and wind is currently in place until 9am tomorrow across south-west England and south Wales. This alert warns of periods of heavy rain and strong winds that could cause flooding and travel disruption in some locations. The Met Office's forecast for Saturday indicates that rain and hill snow across the northeast will ease, while elsewhere, showers may merge into longer spells of rain, particularly in the southwest, accompanied by widespread windy conditions and coastal gales.
Outlook for the Coming Days
Looking ahead from Sunday to Tuesday, the forecaster predicts that unsettled weather will persist, with bands of rain moving north and east across the country. Conditions are expected to gradually turn colder from the northeast, increasing the risk of snow, especially over northern hills. This ongoing pattern underscores the importance of staying informed and prepared as the UK navigates this period of volatile weather.
Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to monitor updates from the Met Office and local authorities, ensuring they have the necessary items on hand to safeguard against potential hazards during this extended weather event.
