Severe weather is looming over parts of Wales and England as the Met Office issues a new weather warning set to come into effect at 2pm on Friday. Residents in seven areas in Wales and nine in England are advised to brace themselves for heavy downpours and potential flooding as a result of the adverse weather conditions.
The forecast, released by the UK’s leading forecaster, indicates that rain will intensify later today, persisting into Saturday morning before gradually easing off. Accumulation of rain between 20 to 40 mm is expected widely by Saturday morning, with areas of higher ground likely to experience up to 50 to 75 mm of rainfall, especially in southeastern parts of Wales where in some areas, more than 75 mm may accumulate. Alongside the heavy precipitation, strong southeasterly winds are expected to accompany the rain.
The Yellow Warning alert is scheduled to kick in on Good Friday at 2pm and will remain active until 9am on Saturday, April 19. The areas in Wales that will be significantly impacted include Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Torfaen. In Southwest England, the affected regions are Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Plymouth, Somerset, and Torbay.
Yellow weather warnings are indicative of potential disruptions to bus and train services, with extended journey times expected. Excessive spray and flooding on roads may also cause delays, along with the possibility of power supply interruptions and other services being affected. Moreover, there is a risk of flooding for a few homes and businesses within the warned areas.
The Met Office classifies weather warnings into three categories based on the forecasted impact and likelihood of severe weather conditions. A yellow warning is issued when disruptions to travel and daily routines are expected but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property. In contrast, an amber warning signifies a more severe situation, prompting individuals to consider altering their plans to reduce risk. On the other hand, a red warning indicates extremely dangerous weather conditions with potential widespread damage to property and risks to life, urging the public to refrain from travelling.
As the upcoming weather warning coincides with the Easter weekend, RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson has advised the public to prepare for potential congestion on the roads, particularly if there is a break in the wet weather conditions. With an estimated 2.2 million people planning to travel abroad this weekend, travel association Abta anticipates Good Friday to be the busiest day for outbound travel. Over 11,000 flights are scheduled to depart from UK airports during the four-day period, with popular destinations including Dublin, Amsterdam, Malaga, Alicante, and Mallorca.
In conclusion, it is crucial for residents in the warned areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being during the expected severe weather conditions. Whether travelling domestically or internationally this Easter weekend, individuals are advised to plan ahead, be vigilant, and stay updated on any developments regarding the weather warnings.