A tornado warning has been issued as the UK prepares for more rain, with the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation issuing the alert. Yellow rain warnings were already in place for large parts of England and Wales. The Environment Agency has 32 flood warnings in place across England, indicating that flooding is expected, along with 81 flood alerts where flooding is possible.
Areas particularly at risk include Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Oxfordshire. The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (Toro) has forecasted lightning, winds up to 50mph, and even “isolated brief tornadoes” for much of the south-east, including East Anglia, the south-east Midlands, and central southern England. An amber warning was issued by the Met Office for areas in the Midlands and the south, effective from 6 pm for 12 hours.
Further heavy rain, high winds, and potential flooding are expected, with areas like Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, and the West Midlands likely to see 30-40mm of rainfall within three hours. The Met Office cautioned that the rain would fall on already saturated ground, leading to travel disruption, further flooding, and rising river levels.
Drivers are warned of difficult driving conditions, road closures, and the risk of aquaplaning. Recent heavy rainfall has caused flash flooding, damaging homes and disrupting travel, with some areas experiencing more than the monthly average rainfall in a single day. The Environment Agency advises people to stay updated on flood risks, seek free flood warnings, and follow emergency services for guidance.
The rain is expected to clear by Friday, with much colder conditions to follow on Saturday. Stay safe and stay informed as the UK grapples with severe weather conditions impacting various regions.