Good Morning Britain presenters Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid warned there is a “risk of life” for those living in areas expected to face severe flooding. The UK is preparing for a spell of severe weather, with flood warnings issued as torrential rain and gale-force winds are expected to sweep across the country. According to the Met Office, Storm Bram is set to bring significant flooding and travel disruption, particularly during the early hours and throughout Tuesday (December 9) morning.
Susanna said: “There are Amber weather warnings in place – the second highest possible – and they’re in effect in several areas, warning of a risk to life.” Richard added: “There are also flood warnings and more than 100 flood alerts in place across the country.” They handed over to Richard Gaisford, who was reporting live outside in Monmouth.
Sharing further details, he explained: “It is the South West and Wales that is getting the first taste of Storm Bran overnight with some really heavy rain.
The weather warnings for today then appeared on screen, with Richard explaining Scotland will take the brunt of the storm with winds of up to 90mph. They are warning of real damage to buildings and problems along coastal areas.”
The update appeared to frustrate viewers as they took to social media to share their complaints.
One wrote: “I don’t think I’ll ever understand these warnings. There’s an amber rain warning in my area for rain today, however about a year ago we had rain so bad that our subways filled with water. You needed an ark, or a submarine to get through… no warning at all then though!”
Another accused the programme of scaremongering, saying: “Scaremongering at its very best this exaggerated weather! And Reid and Madeley rising to it!! But it makes Tornado Tobins day!!”
A third hit out: “#GMB Tornado Tobin on the case wet & windy weather in the middle of winter.”
Another confused viewer added: “@gmb you have 3 colours of danger on your map, orange, dark yellow, lighter yellow, then your key has two colours red and yellow. Makes no sense.”
Others questioned why Richard was reporting outside when there are severe weather warnings. “@GMB @richardgaisford Will you have any reporters standing at reservoirs today?” one asked as another posted: “Best not go out then…”
Of Storm Bran, the Met Office explained: “Heavy and persistent rain will develop over south Wales on Monday evening and continue through the remainder of the night onwards into Tuesday morning. 50-75 mm of rain is expected across much of the warning area, most of which will fall in around 9 hours.
