UK weather – live updates: ‘Danger to life’ warning as rain, wind and thunderstorms to batter Britain
Gusts could hit 50mph, 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.Flooding could turn deadly as thunderstorms, rain and high winds batter the UK, forecasters have warned.
Gusts could hit 50mph and the Met Office warned of disruption to travel by rail and road, adding that flooding could cut off some communities and pose a “danger to life” on Friday.
Scotland and the far north of England are bracing for damage and flash flooding caused by thunderstorms that are expected on Saturday.
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load
The Bristol Balloon Fiesta has been scaled back due to high winds, reports say.
A mass take-off will not go ahead as planned.
Brittany Ferries has cancelled a string of services due to adverse weather. You can click here to find out if you're affected.
A yellow weather warning for wind is also in place from 3pm this afternoon until the end of the day.
The warning covers much of London and southeast England, southwest England and Wales.
Forecasters are warning gusts of up to 40-50mph are expected inland and about 60mph around the coasts.
The wind and rain could cause delays to road, rail air and ferry transport services.
National Rail has advised a 50mph speed restriction is expected to stay in place until the end of tomorrow between Oxenholme Lake District and Penrith.
The restriction is likely to cause delays of up to 30 minutes between these stations.
An inflatable running event in Shepton Mallet is the latest event to be cancelled ahead of this weekend.
Thunderstorms and heavy rain, or very strong winds. Enjoy your weekend, Scottish and Northern Irish stormchasers and English or Welsh kitesurfers...
An update from the Met Office.
Bonnie Diamond, a meteorologist, said: "There has been a lot of rain over the last 24 hours with more heavy showers to come on the way today and tomorrow.
"So we will certainly see an impact in terms of localised flooding, difficult driving conditions and transport delays."
Between 9pm on Thursday and 9am on Friday, Antrim in Northern Ireland saw 39mm of rainfall - the most in the 12-hour period - more than one-third of the country's August average, which is just 97.4mm.
Meanwhile Shap in Cumbria recorded 38.6mm - more than half of England's August 69mm average - with Gwent in Wales clocking 34.8mm - a third of that nation's 107mm August rainfall average.
Additional reporting by PA
A Swansea branch of Waterstones has been forced to close after rainwater poured through the ceiling.
The damage to the Oxford Street shop happened after the city experienced flash flooding from heavy rain, Wales Online reported.
Workers described flooding on the first floor as "significant".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments