UK weather forecast: Met Office issues ‘danger to life’ warning as flood-hit areas brace for more rain
‘It’s not going to take much for rivers to respond – the water’s got nowhere to go,’ say forecasters
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Flood-hit areas in south Yorkshire are bracing for yet more rain as wintry weather that has lashed England’s southwest moves north.
The Met Office has warned of additional and possibly life-threatening flooding on Thursday and Friday, which may cause some already-waterlogged places to be cut off and result in power cuts.
A yellow-level warning is in place for areas around Nottingham, Sheffield, Lincoln and Doncaster from 9am on Thursday – but could be ramped up later in the day, The Independent understands. Up to 45mm of rain is expected.
Forecasters said wintry weather front that has dumped snow on southwest England was now moving north and east. “It’s all tied in with the same weather front,” meteorologist Steven Keates told The Independent.
In the warning area of the east midlands and south Yorkshire “the ground is obviously completely saturated”, Mr Keates said. “It’s been really wet for weeks. It’s not going to take that much rain for the rivers to respond – the water’s got nowhere to go. It’s likely there will be some renewed flooding.”
More than three dozen flood warnings are in effect across the country, with the River Don featuring heavily.
“Heavy rain is expected on Thursday, Friday and over the weekend which could lead to further flooding for communities in south Yorkshire around the lower River Don,” the Environment Agency’s flood duty manager Kate Marks said in a statement.
“Parts of Lincolnshire and the Midlands could also be affected by rain falling on already saturated ground over Thursday and Friday, as well as other parts of England as rain crosses the country from west to east.”
The government has faced criticism for its slow response to the floods, with Boris Johnson initially saying they did not constitute a national crisis. When he did visit the affected region he was heckled with jeers of “Where’ve you been?” and “You took your time”.
Ministers have now promised a fund to help people affected by the inundations, and drafted in the armed forces to help bolster flood defences.
A separate Met Office warning is in place until 11.45pm on Thursday, which says there is a risk that rain could cause flooding in parts of south Wales and southeast England.
It came as communities across parts of England and Wales woke up to snow. East Gloucestershire, parts of Wiltshire and south Wales were pictured blanketed in snow on Thursday morning, while photos from Bath showed it still falling as of 7am.
Additional reporting by Press Association
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments