WXCharts.com Map shows rainfront due next week (Image: WXCharts.com)
Storm-battered Britain faces fresh flooding alerts as rain and wind blast the UK – and more winter storms could be on the way.
Over two dozen flood warnings are in place across England as rain and wind continue to batter the country but forecasters are predicting a drier end to the week.
From next week the Met Office predicts more “spells of rain and strong winds, mainly across the north of the UK but also spreading further south at times” with drier periods at the end of February.
But with five named storms already this winter, BBC Weather Lead Presenter Simon King warns “we are probably going to have to be ready for further stormy weather at times.”
Currently in England, the Environment Agency currently has 27 flood warnings, where flooding is expected, and 151 flood alerts, where flooding is possible, in place – with at least 60 properties had flooded in recent days.
The flood warnings cover areas across southern England, such as Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, Langford in Bedfordshire, Salisbury in Wiltshire and Axminster in Devon.
Meanwhile in Wales, Natural Resources Wales has 12 flood alerts in place, including in Powys, Ceredigion and Monmouthshire.
However, the Met Office said conditions were improving with “a quieter spell of weather” due from Thursday.
Since last week Britain has been struck by two powerful weather fronts with devastating Storm Eowyn followed by the weaker Spain and France classified ‘Storm Herminia’.
Last Friday in Ireland, Eowyn – our fifth named storm of the season – sparked a record-breaking wind speed of 114mph (183kmh) measured in Mace Head, Co Galway, Ireland.
Eowyn was also one of the most exceptional storms of the decade for the UK according to the Met Office with 100mph (160km/h) winds recorded in Scotland.
Now forecasters fear before the winter season ends – at the close of February – we could see more powerful and devastating storms rolling in.
Trending
In its three-month forecast, the Met Office suggests that the chances of impacts from wet and windy weather is increased compared to normal, particularly throughout February.
It also says “the increased risk of storms gives rise to a greater risk of ‘storm clustering’, with consecutive events affecting the UK in quick succession”.
DTN, the forecast provider for BBC Weather, also suggests that “risks of disruptive wind events are likely to be higher, especially during February”.
The BBC’s King explains: “Since the Met Office started naming storms in 2015 the most active season was in 2023/24 with 12, when we reached the letter L – for Lilian – in the alphabet of named storms.
“The year before that, there were only two.
“With so much natural variability in our weather, the number of named storms we experience each year is influenced by other meteorological patterns around the world and so it is difficult to directly compare storminess to previous years.
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Waves batter against Newhaven Harbour in East Sussex today as strong winds continue to blow (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Express)
“Up until now we have had a real mix of unsettled weather with five named storms but we also had a significant cold snap in early January.
“With -18.9C recorded in Altnaharra, Highland on 11 January it was the coldest January night in the UK for 15 years. Widespread snow and ice caused disruption across the UK.
“However, long-range weather forecasts are hinting at the opposite for the rest of winter.
“An active jet stream – the fast moving air high in the atmosphere – appears to be the dominant driver for weather conditions and this is likely to bring frequent low pressure systems across north-west Europe.”
The Met Office said over the month of January, the south of the UK had been wetter than the north, which is not normally the case.
New data shows that counties including Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, Hampshire and Surrey have seen 30 per cent more rainfall than the long-term meteorological average for January.
John Johnston and wife Karin and their dog Angus by huge tree Eowyn brought down (Image: Newsquest / SWNS)
Andrea Bishop, spokesperson for the Met Office, said: “Wednesday will see a drier day for many, with showers in the north.
“We are keeping an eye on an area of heavy rain crossing France and the English Channel later on Wednesday, although it looks like it might just graze southern coastal counties of England.
“A quieter spell of weather is expected to arrive from Thursday, as a ridge of high pressure crosses the UK bringing a drier, brighter and less windy day for all.”
Water and flooding minister Emma Hardy said her thoughts were with those affected by the weather.
She added: “I am receiving regular briefings, and will continue to speak with officials from the Environment Agency and MPs to ensure that impacted communities are receiving the support they need.”
The Environment Agency said there was likely to be impact from minor river flooding in parts of southern England on Tuesday, with possible issues on Wednesday and Thursday from further rainfall.
It estimated that up to 5,800 properties were protected by flood defences over recent days.
Dan Bond, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding and will support local authorities in their response.
“We urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”
Porthcawl Lighthouse, battered by the relentless waves of Storm Éowyn (Image: John Myers)
In Somerset, authorities stood down a major incident that had been in place because of flooding in the county that led to the evacuation of more than 100 people from their homes.
Dozens of people are due to return to their properties on a residential park estate in the coming days, with water currently being pumped out of the site in Charlton Adam, Somerset.
Racing was abandoned at Exeter racecourse on Wednesday, with clerk of the course Jason Loosemore describing how it had seen 40mm of rainfall on Sunday.
Cornwall Council said Storm Eowyn and Storm Herminia resulted in 183 emergency incidents from Friday to Monday, including a mini tornado which uprooted trees and damaged homes near Newquay.
There was a small fire at one house that was struck by lightning, with fire crews also attending flooding incidents in the county.
Gatwick Express services that normally run between London Victoria and Brighton have been suspended because of a landslip on Monday.
Highway maintenance workers inspecting a tree lying in east Belfast. (Image: PA)
The company said it was not sure how long the landslip would continue to disrupt services, with engineers from Network Rail due to assess any damage to infrastructure overnight.
Alice Simpson, spokesperson for RAC Breakdown, said conditions for drivers would be “difficult” over the week.
“The chance of fallen trees and debris in the road increases dramatically in wet and windy weather,” she said.
“For this reason, it’s vital to drive at an appropriate speed where you can slow down or stop to avoid unexpected obstacles, especially on rural routes where there are sharp bends and more trees.
“There’s also a greater risk of encountering floods and aquaplaning on faster stretches of road where a vehicle’s tyres glide on top of a thin layer of water, causing a loss of grip and control.
“Motorists should think twice about driving through standing water as they may damage their vehicles beyond repair or worse still, endanger their lives.”
Gusts of 84mph and almost 60mm of rainfall hits parts of southern England on Monday. That bad weather was linked to Storm Herminia.
WXCharts.com Map shows rainfront due next week (Image: WXCharts.com)
Storm-battered Britain faces fresh flooding alerts as rain and wind blast the UK – and more winter storms could be on the way.
Over two dozen flood warnings are in place across England as rain and wind continue to batter the country but forecasters are predicting a drier end to the week.
From next week the Met Office predicts more “spells of rain and strong winds, mainly across the north of the UK but also spreading further south at times” with drier periods at the end of February.
But with five named storms already this winter, BBC Weather Lead Presenter Simon King warns “we are probably going to have to be ready for further stormy weather at times.”
Currently in England, the Environment Agency currently has 27 flood warnings, where flooding is expected, and 151 flood alerts, where flooding is possible, in place – with at least 60 properties had flooded in recent days.
The flood warnings cover areas across southern England, such as Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, Langford in Bedfordshire, Salisbury in Wiltshire and Axminster in Devon.
Meanwhile in Wales, Natural Resources Wales has 12 flood alerts in place, including in Powys, Ceredigion and Monmouthshire.
However, the Met Office said conditions were improving with “a quieter spell of weather” due from Thursday.
Since last week Britain has been struck by two powerful weather fronts with devastating Storm Eowyn followed by the weaker Spain and France classified ‘Storm Herminia’.
Last Friday in Ireland, Eowyn – our fifth named storm of the season – sparked a record-breaking wind speed of 114mph (183kmh) measured in Mace Head, Co Galway, Ireland.
Eowyn was also one of the most exceptional storms of the decade for the UK according to the Met Office with 100mph (160km/h) winds recorded in Scotland.
Now forecasters fear before the winter season ends – at the close of February – we could see more powerful and devastating storms rolling in.
Trending
In its three-month forecast, the Met Office suggests that the chances of impacts from wet and windy weather is increased compared to normal, particularly throughout February.
It also says “the increased risk of storms gives rise to a greater risk of ‘storm clustering’, with consecutive events affecting the UK in quick succession”.
DTN, the forecast provider for BBC Weather, also suggests that “risks of disruptive wind events are likely to be higher, especially during February”.
The BBC’s King explains: “Since the Met Office started naming storms in 2015 the most active season was in 2023/24 with 12, when we reached the letter L – for Lilian – in the alphabet of named storms.
“The year before that, there were only two.
“With so much natural variability in our weather, the number of named storms we experience each year is influenced by other meteorological patterns around the world and so it is difficult to directly compare storminess to previous years.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Waves batter against Newhaven Harbour in East Sussex today as strong winds continue to blow (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Express)
“Up until now we have had a real mix of unsettled weather with five named storms but we also had a significant cold snap in early January.
“With -18.9C recorded in Altnaharra, Highland on 11 January it was the coldest January night in the UK for 15 years. Widespread snow and ice caused disruption across the UK.
“However, long-range weather forecasts are hinting at the opposite for the rest of winter.
“An active jet stream – the fast moving air high in the atmosphere – appears to be the dominant driver for weather conditions and this is likely to bring frequent low pressure systems across north-west Europe.”
The Met Office said over the month of January, the south of the UK had been wetter than the north, which is not normally the case.
New data shows that counties including Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, Hampshire and Surrey have seen 30 per cent more rainfall than the long-term meteorological average for January.
John Johnston and wife Karin and their dog Angus by huge tree Eowyn brought down (Image: Newsquest / SWNS)
Andrea Bishop, spokesperson for the Met Office, said: “Wednesday will see a drier day for many, with showers in the north.
“We are keeping an eye on an area of heavy rain crossing France and the English Channel later on Wednesday, although it looks like it might just graze southern coastal counties of England.
“A quieter spell of weather is expected to arrive from Thursday, as a ridge of high pressure crosses the UK bringing a drier, brighter and less windy day for all.”
Water and flooding minister Emma Hardy said her thoughts were with those affected by the weather.
She added: “I am receiving regular briefings, and will continue to speak with officials from the Environment Agency and MPs to ensure that impacted communities are receiving the support they need.”
The Environment Agency said there was likely to be impact from minor river flooding in parts of southern England on Tuesday, with possible issues on Wednesday and Thursday from further rainfall.
It estimated that up to 5,800 properties were protected by flood defences over recent days.
Dan Bond, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding and will support local authorities in their response.
“We urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”
Porthcawl Lighthouse, battered by the relentless waves of Storm Éowyn (Image: John Myers)
In Somerset, authorities stood down a major incident that had been in place because of flooding in the county that led to the evacuation of more than 100 people from their homes.
Dozens of people are due to return to their properties on a residential park estate in the coming days, with water currently being pumped out of the site in Charlton Adam, Somerset.
Racing was abandoned at Exeter racecourse on Wednesday, with clerk of the course Jason Loosemore describing how it had seen 40mm of rainfall on Sunday.
Cornwall Council said Storm Eowyn and Storm Herminia resulted in 183 emergency incidents from Friday to Monday, including a mini tornado which uprooted trees and damaged homes near Newquay.
There was a small fire at one house that was struck by lightning, with fire crews also attending flooding incidents in the county.
Gatwick Express services that normally run between London Victoria and Brighton have been suspended because of a landslip on Monday.
Highway maintenance workers inspecting a tree lying in east Belfast. (Image: PA)
The company said it was not sure how long the landslip would continue to disrupt services, with engineers from Network Rail due to assess any damage to infrastructure overnight.
Alice Simpson, spokesperson for RAC Breakdown, said conditions for drivers would be “difficult” over the week.
“The chance of fallen trees and debris in the road increases dramatically in wet and windy weather,” she said.
“For this reason, it’s vital to drive at an appropriate speed where you can slow down or stop to avoid unexpected obstacles, especially on rural routes where there are sharp bends and more trees.
“There’s also a greater risk of encountering floods and aquaplaning on faster stretches of road where a vehicle’s tyres glide on top of a thin layer of water, causing a loss of grip and control.
“Motorists should think twice about driving through standing water as they may damage their vehicles beyond repair or worse still, endanger their lives.”
Gusts of 84mph and almost 60mm of rainfall hits parts of southern England on Monday. That bad weather was linked to Storm Herminia.
