UK weather news - live: New ‘danger to life’ warnings for strong wind as heavy snow and flooding forecast

Two yellow weather warnings in Scotland, Nothern Ireland and northern England suggesting there is probability of danger to life from flying debris

Radio caller claims red weather storm warnings are ‘scaremongering’

The UK is bracing for more bad weather conditions with forecasts of heavy snow, lightning and winds up to 60mph on Wednesday.

This comes a day after floodwaters breached defences on the River Severn, with major incidents declared in Bewdley, Worcestershire and Ironbridge in Shropshire, with two “danger to life” warnings, after it was announced the river was close to reaching record highs.

The Environment Agency has issued two severe flood warnings and 84 flood warnings, cautioning against local flooding from parts of the River Severn today and tomorrow.

And the Met Office has issued two large yellow weather warnings spanning Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England suggesting there is the possibility of danger to life from flying debris in strong winds, and there may be some damage to buildings.

In Glasgow and parts of Belfast, residents were warned they may experience power cuts potentially affecting other services including mobile coverage due to snow and wind expected in the afternoon.

Key points

• Two severe flood warnings in place
• Yellow weather warnings in force
• ‘Hundreds of homes and businesses flooded in storms’
• Nearly ‘40,000 homes protected by flood defences’

[23 February 2022 06:20 · Namita Singh]

‘Significant flooding expected in coming days’

Significant river flooding is expected in the coming days, said Environment Agency’s flood duty manager Katharine Smith, as she advised residents to take caution.

She said: “We are still facing a significant flooding risk, and we are urging people to remain vigilant and take extreme care.

“Heavy rain, affecting already wet areas, is likely to cause significant river flooding along the River Severn over the next few days.

“So far we have received reports of around 400 properties having flooded over the past few days. Our thoughts go out to all those affected – flooding can and does have a devastating impact on people’s lives.”

An aerial view shows temporary flood defences, put in place by the Environment Agency to protect homes and businesses, along the burst banks of the River Severn after the river burst its banks in Ironbridge, central England, on 22 February 2022 (AFP via Getty Images)

[23 February 2022 06:08 · Namita Singh]

Nearly ‘40,000 homes protected by flood defences’

Environment Secretary George Eustice said 40,000 homes had been protected by flood defences, as he was quizzed on flooding and the lack of permanent defences on the River Severn at the National Farmers’ Union conference.

He said: “The Severn has had some issues particularly around Bewdley and Ironbridge and also some issues as well around Shrewsbury, but actually the defences that we have put in place have been very successful, as they were two years ago, protecting those communities.

“We know there are around 40,000 homes that have been protected by the flood defences put in place and on the Severn in particular we have these rather innovative demountable barriers that enable you to use the river normally most of the year.

“And then when the flood risk arises, we put up temporary barriers alongside the river, and those have been remarkably successful at reducing the flood risk particularly along the Severn, and have been again this time.”

Read the full report here:

[23 February 2022 05:48 · Namita Singh]

‘Hundreds of homes and businesses flooded in storms’

Hundreds of homes and businesses have flooded during three storms that hit the UK in the space of several days, the Environment Agency has said.

Around 400 properties across different parts of the country were submerged in water by Storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin, it said, with homes in Shropshire, Yorkshire and Wales among those affected.

Read the full report here:

[23 February 2022 05:34 · Namita Singh]

How flooded Ironbridge found itself on front line of the climate crisis

The World Heritage Shropshire village of Ironbridge was a place of surreal contrasts on Tuesday. On the one hand, the sun shone, the sky was blue and half-term tourists milled about on the famous 18th century bridge, while the outdoor tables at Darby’s were filled all day.

Yet much of the lower village – the Wharfage – was fenced off amid dire warnings that the 20-year-old flood barriers here might not be high enough to prevent the River Severn topping them.

Read this report by Colin Drury

[23 February 2022 05:22 · Namita Singh]

Yellow weather warnings in force

The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings across Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England.

Strong winds are expected in Newcastle and the northeast from 6am this morning, with a warning in place until 3pm and a strong chance of delays to journeys via bus and train services.

A warning has also been issued for heavy snow showers, with gusty winds and a chance of frequent lightning, for Glasgow and Belfast and the surrounding areas. The warning is in place from 1pm today until 3pm tomorrow.

The Met Office said there was a risk of injury and danger to life from flying debris, and that the bad weather could lead to power cuts potentially affecting mobile phone coverage. It could also lead to cancellation of road, rail, air and ferry services.

People stand on a footbridge to look at flood water after the River Severn burst its banks at Jackfield, near Telford, in central England on 22 February 2022 (AFP via Getty Images)

[23 February 2022 04:47 · Namita Singh]

Two severe flood warnings in place

The Environment Agency’s two severe flood warnings issued on Tuesday remain in place as it cautioned against local flooding from the River Severn.

It said local flooding from rivers is probable in the north of England and possible but not expected in Wales. The flooding on the River Severn in all likelihood will continue till Friday, the agency said, leading to travel disruption and damage to property.

Homes surrounded by flood water from the River Severn after successive storms hit the UK on 22 February 2022 in Ironbridge, England (Getty Images)

[23 February 2022 04:16 · Namita Singh]

Welcome to The Independent's coverage of UK weather conditions for Wednesday, 23 February 2022.