UK weather: Heavy rain and flood warnings issued in wake of battering by Storm Alex

Weather warning follow winds of over 70mph

Heavy rain is forecast for large parts of the UK this weekend after high winds from Storm Alex lashed the south west with wet and windy weather.

While the winds associated with the storm are now dying down, “heavy and persistent rain” will bring the risk of flooding and travel disruption to parts of the south, the Met Office said.

Several weather warnings are now in place, including yellow warnings for rain in the south east and midlands and stretching up the western side of England and parts of the north east. Worse amber warnings have been issued for the south west, and north east Scotland which warns some homes and businesses are likely to be flooded.

Steve Ramsdale, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Storm Alex has clipped the southern edge of Britain today bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the country. The highest gust of 71 mph was at Berry Head on the Devon coast, but winds are now easing for most. Away from the south it is a more pleasant day, with light winds and bright spells for much of northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“However, as the strong winds and rain associated with Storm Alex clear away from Britain later tonight, another low-pressure system will move towards the UK from the east bringing further very heavy rain to many over the weekend as well as some strong winds.”  

The warnings for the south west cover much of Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and inland Wales. The Met Office guidelines state these parts of the country could see fast flowing or deep floodwater, which could cause a “danger to life”.

Spray and flooding will probably result in difficult driving conditions and cause some road closures, the website says, adding there is “a good chance some communities [could be] cut off by flooded roads”.

Deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, Laura Ellam, said: “Saturday will be a very wet and cold day for many as heavy bands of rain push north and west across the country, becoming slow moving for some parts.

“Conditions will improve for many on Sunday though it is still likely to remain wet and windy for some.”

But she warned: “At this time of year, trees are in full leaf and drains can become blocked from tree debris – with many places seeing 25-50mm of rain and around 70-90mm over high ground, there is a heightened risk of flooding and very difficult driving conditions this weekend.  In areas with Amber warnings, such as Snowdonia, Exmoor and eastern Scotland, over 100mm of rain could fall over the weekend – this is likely to lead to significant impacts from flooding.”

“Given the severe weather this weekend, the Met Office is urging people to keep a close eye on the forecast and warnings during this spell of challenging and disruptive weather.”