As communities in various regions continue to recover from the aftermath of Storm Babet, the Met Office is raising concerns by issuing yellow weather warnings for heavy rain and strong winds set to affect parts of the UK over the weekend. This alert amplifies the risk of additional flooding, particularly in areas that have already been grappling with the impact of the recent storm.
The areas under alert encompass the eastern coast of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and South East England. The expected rainfall ranges from 50mm to 80mm, accompanied by wind speeds varying between 50mph and 70mph. Scotland, still reeling from the consequences of Storm Babet, faces extended rainfall warnings until 12 am on Monday.
Hastings in East Sussex has already experienced flooding, leading to the evacuation of a shopping centre in its vicinity. In Scotland, transportation services have been adversely affected, resulting in the suspension of certain train services, especially between the Central Belt and Aberdeen/Inverness, lasting until Sunday. Passengers on the Edinburgh to Newcastle route operated by LNER may experience delays, while TransPennine Express and CrossCountry have introduced reduced timetables in anticipation of potential flooding.
Storm Babet, which tragically claimed seven lives, continues to cast a shadow over the affected regions. The upcoming rain warnings for the south and east of England are effective from midnight on Sunday to midnight on Monday. These warnings encompass eastern England, London, Kent, Sussex, and Essex, where rainfall amounts of 15mm to 30mm are anticipated.
A total of 39 tidal and river flooding warnings are currently in place, with several specifically affecting East Sussex and Kent. Residents are strongly advised to remain vigilant as the weather conditions evolve throughout the weekend. The already saturated ground from the previous storm raises concerns about localized impacts and potential disruptions.
The Met Office, alongside local authorities and emergency services, continues to monitor the situation closely and urges residents to stay informed and prepared in the face of the impending adverse weather conditions.
