Storm Ciarán news live: UK set for washout bonfire weekend as Storm Domingos to slam into Europe
Death toll in Europe rises to 12 as cars swept away as downpours flood hospitals in Italy
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Your support makes all the difference.With the worst of Storm Ciarán now over for Brits Storm Domingos is moving across the Atlantic and is expected to slam into Europe on Saturday.
The worst of Domingos is expected to hit northern Spain and western France along the Bay of Biscay, where gusts in excess of 60 mph are possible in addition to heavy rain.
Despite the centre of Ciarán now over the North Sea, many British Bonfire Night events have been cancelled or postponed with added travel disruption expected.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather notice for heavy rain across the south and south west of England lasting from 5am on Saturday to 11.59pm.
A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for Saturday as 42 flood warnings remain in place as downpours are expected to hamper down ahead of bonfire night.
Dozens of flood warnings remain in place across the South coast with a few in the East of England and several scattered around North Yorkshire as rivers reach their limit.
Thunderstorms are likely to catch in the southeast as up to 30-40mm are expected in the coastal regions.
The Met Office said: “A spell of heavy rain early in the day clears northwards but is followed by fairly frequent heavy and blustery showers.”
It comes as at least 12 people have died across Europe as Storm Ciarán unleashed chaos and widespread flooding, while thousands of homes in the UK are still without power.
Have you been affected by Storm Ciarán? Email barney.davis.ind@independent.co.uk
Mapped : Flood warnings in place
There are 42 flood warnings and 185 flood alerts in place across England and Wales as the Met Office forecast more showers for bonfire weekend.
In pictures- Storm Ciarán
Storm Ciarán: More than 200 flood warnings and alerts across UK - see your area
Storm Ciaran has arrived, bringing destruction in its wake including roofs ripped off houses, damaged cars- and smashed windows.
The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings and alerts across much of the country, including dozens along the south coast.
Thousands of homes are still without power after heavy storms lashed against the southcoast of England on Thursday.
More than 200 flood warnings and alerts across UK amid Storm Ciaran - see your area
Met Office issues weather warnings for heavy rain and strong winds across large swathes of the country
Bonfire Night celebrations at risk of washout as Met Office issues weekend warnings
Britons have been warned to expect a washout bonfire weekend as the remnants of Storm Ciarán are set to bring more downpours on Saturday.
A yellow weather warning is in place across much of the south of England with travel disruption expected as rain falls on ground already saturated from the storm.
Tonight, showers will continue across the northeast and west, while parts of Scotland and northern England have been told to expect frost and fog.
By Saturday, rain and wind will sweep northwards across England and Wales and those in the south can expect to see lightning. By Sunday, those celebrating Bonfire night can expect conditions to remain dry but chilly as temperatures are predicted to dip.
British Red Cross volunteers and staff have been supporting communities affected by flooding
Volunteers in Scotland and North and Central England are supporting UK Power Networks by contacting their Priority Services Register customers to provide welfare calls, checking on people who may be struggling due to a lack of power, with more than 120 people contacted so far.
The charity has been supporting people in Northern Ireland who were evacuated to a rest a centre in Portadown due to the storm. There volunteers provided emotional support and practical help such as clothing and cash assistance. They also checked on vulnerable people living in flooded areas and supported emergency services in the area too. The team have assisted people with mobility issues who have been unable to leave their homes.
Volunteers and staff remain on standby across the UK, as more rain is expected over the next three days, including in areas where the ground is already saturated following storm Babet.
Red Cross reveals how to prepare for a flood
Before a flood · Move sentimental and important items upstairs · Take photographs around your home. This may help with insurance claims · Shut and lock all windows and doors but ensure you have an easily accessible escape route from the property · If you need to evacuate, turn off the mains power before you leave. You can be electrocuted in floodwater if the power remains switched on. · Move vehicles to higher ground so they won’t be caught in rising floodwater
During a flood · Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over. Two feet of water can float a car. · Avoid contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage. · If the flood poses a threat to your safety, call the emergency services immediately. · Need to leave your home and have nowhere to stay? Your local council will help. · Contact the National Flood Forum for more advice
After a flood Flooding is a stressful experience. If you need support, call NHS 111 by dialling 111. They’ll tell you about crisis support services · Boil tap water or use bottled water until supplies are declared safe · Dispose of any food that may have been contaminated · Follow the UK government’s advice on how to keep you and your family safe while cleaning up after a flood
This evening’s forecast
The Met Office predict continued patchy rain in the far northeast with some showers in the west.
They expect clear spells developing in places ahead of a band of rain spreading northeastwards.
The north could experience a few mist and fog patches developing where skies remain clear.
Watch- Forecasters reveal correct pronunication of ‘Ciarán'
Spoiler- we’ve all been saying it wrong.
Calls for financial aid for businesses counting the costs after flooding
Calls have been made for financial aid to be made available for businesses counting the costs after severe flooding impacted the eastern half of Northern Ireland.
Downpatrick, Newry, Kilkeel and Portadown are among the areas worst hit following heavy rain earlier this week.
On Friday morning, the Department for Infrastructure said water levels in most areas were starting to recede and recovery operations were under way in Newry and other locations.
It said River Bann levels are also falling, which should lead to an improvement in conditions in Portadown over the next couple of days.
However, they described watercourses as remaining “stubbornly high” in the Downpatrick area, which has had an impact on the viability of beginning planned pumping operations.
“Preparation works ahead of the major pumping operation within this extremely challenging environment are underway and, as indicated on site with elected representatives and traders yesterday, efforts to remove flood water from Market Street will depend on how natural water levels recede and how effective our works today will be,” it said.
“Every effort is being made to begin pumping as soon as possible, as the department and our multi-agency partners are keen to do all that we can to reduce the impacts of the flooding in Downpatrick.”
Six killed as 'unprecedented' downpours swamp Italy's Tuscany
Six people died and two were missing after rivers burst their banks following torrential overnight rain in the central Italian region of Tuscany, local authorities said on Friday.
There had been fears that the River Arno could flood the historic city of Florence after nearby towns were swamped by the southern edge of Storm Ciaran, but the high water point passed in mid-morning without major incident.
“The situation is still very critical,” Monia Monni, regional councillor for civil protection, told Reuters, referring especially to Campi Bisenzio, a town about 15 kilometres (9 miles) north-west of Florence.
“(Elsewhere), the water has drained away but there is mud and the devastation that an event like this leaves behind”, Monni added.
Around 190 people have been forced to evacuate their homes, including 150 in Campi Bisenzio, where ground floor properties were damaged, parked cars were half-submerged and rescue officials navigated flooded streets with rubber dinghies.
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