Britain braced as 'once-in-50-years storm' set to hit

  • NASA
NASA's Terra satellite captured the 70mph storm at 12.45pm on Thursday as it headed towards the south-west of the country. Credit: NASA

Parts of Britain are braced for more flooding as a "once-in-50-years storm" is set to hit the south-west and Wales.

NASA have released a satellite image of the major storm which is heading towards the UK on Thursday night and Friday morning as a slow-moving area of low pressure brings thundery showers and strong winds.

The Met Office issued a new warning of wet and windy weather with periods of persistent heavy rain for parts of Wales and south-western England from late on Thursday until Saturday.

Many parts of the country will be affected by rain as the system moves north, with winds of up to 55mph in parts of the South East and East Anglia, according to MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association.

The Environment Agency urged people in the South West and most of Wales to remain vigilant and prepared for flooding.

There are concerns the rain could lead to surface water flooding particularly in upland areas and places already at risk of floods after heavy rain earlier this week.

The Environment Agency has two flood warnings for rivers in place, where flooding is expected, and 12 less serious flood alerts. The government agency has also issued direct flood alerts to more than 32,500 properties this week.

Pumping equipment has been deployed in several areas in West Sussex to pump out water following flooding earlier in the week.