Storm Barbara brings heavy rain and flood risk to UK as weather warnings issued
Weather warnings have been issued across the country, as heavy rain and gale force winds brought in by Storm Barbara batter the UK.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of heavy rain across most parts of southern England between 3am and 2pm on Wednesday.
Forecasters have warned it could bring disruption with the risk of flooding and surface water and spray on roads.
The affected areas stretch from the West Midlands to the East of England and down to the South West.
The Met Office added that nearly two inches of rain could fall in some spots in as little as three to six hours.
Additionally, a yellow warning has been issued for severe gales across south-east England, mainly around the Kent and Sussex areas, on Wednesday between 7am and 5pm, with gusts of 45 to 55mph inland and 65mph near the coast.
The warnings come as Storm Barbara, named by Spanish meteorologists, is to unleash torrential downpours across Spain and Portugal, with some areas possibly seeing the equivalent of four to six weeks’ worth of rain in just a few days.
Meanwhile, four flood alerts – meaning flooding is possible – have been issued in Loughborough, Climping and along parts of the Cornish coast.
Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said: “From (Tuesday) evening into the early hours, there will be a band of rain moving in from the south, bringing some at times heavy rain, particularly in the South East, and then following that later in the day, a period of stronger winds, particularly again in the South East.”
Mr Claydon said winds could be particularly strong across “exposed coastal locations” and through the Dover Strait.
He said the UK can expect “unsettled” weather for the rest of the week.
“That wind and rain clears off into the North Sea and after that we’re left with a continued spell of unsettled conditions across the UK through the week,” he said.
“There will be periods of slightly more settled conditions and at times brighter weather as well, so there will be some sunshine around.
“But generally remaining broadly unsettled, with further wind and rain to affect the UK through the weekend as well.”