UK weather: Met Office warns of heavy rain and 50mph winds as 135 flood alerts issued across Britain
HEAVY rain and thumping winds look set to batter Britain with the Met Office issuing two yellow weather warnings ahead of Christmas.
Warnings for heavy rain were issued today and will remain in effect until this evening with 135 flood alerts also in place.
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The UK has been hit with a string of flood warningsCredit: Met Office
Flooded fields at Axminster in Devon after the River Axe burst its banks after heavy overnight rainCredit: ©Graham Hunt
A yellow weather warning for rain is in place over Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset Torbay, and Wales.
Parts of south Wales and Dartmoor are likely to be hit hardest by the rainfall.
It was issued by the forecaster at 10am yesterday and will remain in effect until 7pm tonight.
The UK has also been hit by a slew of flood warnings.
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The Met Office issued 14 advisories in total, and urged Brits to take extra care when driving in the perilous conditions.
The forecaster said: “If the road is flooded, turn around and find another route. The leading cause of death during flooding is driving through flood water.
“Just 30 cm of moving water can float a car, and flood water often hides hazards that can damage vehicles.
“Even a small amount of water entering an engine can cause severe damage.”
Meanwhile a similar yellow weather warning has been put in place over South-East England affecting the region from 9am yesterday until 9pm tonight.
Wind speeds could reach 40-50mph inland and whip up to around 60-70mph nearer the South coast.
People living in the affected regions are being urged to prepare a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
Anyone planning to travel on public transport or drive has been instructed to check their route ahead of leaving with travel delays likely amid the torrential rainfall.
Additionally, there is a small chance deep and fast flowing floodwater could pose a danger to life.
Rebekah Hicks, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: “Low-pressure systems will bring further unsettled weather to the UK this week, with strong winds and further heavy rain at times over the next few days.
“Today (Wednesday) brings periods of rain, which will be heavy at times, especially over high ground in the west of Britain.
“Coming off the back of recent very wet weather, some travel disruption and flooding is likely across parts of southwest England and south Wales.
“It will also become widely windy throughout the day too, with gales in some coastal areas.”
Cylists brave a foggy Richmond Park southwest London yesterday morningCredit: LNP
It comes after dense fog and heavy rain coasted across the country yesterdayCredit: AFP
Two weather warnings for heavy rainfall are in placeCredit: Met Office
