Heavy rain and 60mph winds to hit parts of UK following flood warnings

Heavy rain has caused floods in parts of England, while storms have caused disruption and power cuts in Wales, Rupert Evelyn reports.

Torrential rain has swamped cars and could flood homes and businesses as winds of up to 60mph are forecast to batter parts of the UK.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for rain from 9pm on Wednesday until 5pm on Thursday across much of South West England and Wales, and Herefordshire and Shropshire.

It said some higher ground areas may get 70-90 mm or more of rain, and that downpours could flood properties and cause power cuts.

Video shows cars submerged by flood water in Bristol

The rain has been so significant in some parts of the country that cars have been swamped by water.

In Wales, 28 flooding warnings issued, along parts of The River Severn, River Vyrnwy and River Teme, and 42 flood alerts.

Half a month’s worth of rain is said to have fallen in the last 38 hours, with the South Wales Valleys the worst affected.

Environment Agency officials have warned people to stay away from "swollen rivers" and not to drive through flood water.

What can we expect over the next 24 hours?

Experts at the Met Office have warned that rain will fall persistently throughout Wednesday and into Thursday across much of South West England and Wales.

Here is a list of things experts have predicted may happen:

  • Possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses

  • Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings

  • Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible

  • Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible

  • Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

  • Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads

Those needing advice and guidance for protecting yourself and your home in heavy rain and flooding, can call 0345 988 1188 to be put through to one of several regional based agencies for assistance.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for much of Wales, South West coast, North West and parts of Northern Ireland. Credit: The Met Office

The Met Office has also issued a yellow wind warning for parts of North West England and Northern Ireland from 3pm Wednesday until 3am on Thursday.

Windy conditions are expected to cause delays on road networks and could result in costal routes being hit with large waves.

Heavy rain could also cause delays or cancellations on public transport, and spray and flooding could lead to treacherous driving conditions and road closures, the forecaster added.

Videos capture the River Avon overflowing around Chippenham, where a flood warning has been put in place by the environment agency

Experts further warned that “very strong west or southwest winds are expected, producing gusts to 45 mph inland and 60 mph along some coasts and across high ground, with the peak in the winds most likely on Wednesday night”.

The Met Office urged people travelling on Wednesday night to “take a little extra time to make the journey a safe one” amid the “strong, gusty winds”.

Flood defences are installed in Bewdley, Worcestershire, after persistent rain resulted in flood warnings along the river Severn. Credit: PA

Some communities may also be “cut off by flooded roads,” it added.

It comes as aerial photos on Wednesday showed heavy rain had left areas around Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, submerged in flood water.

Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “With all that wet weather coming in, there are concerns, particularly for those areas that have already seen so much rain across western England and Wales.

“The wettest weather is likely to see 60-80 mm falling across the Brecon Beacons and Exmoor.”

A van stuck in flood waters near Tewkesbury Abbey Credit: Ben Birchall/PA

The Environment Agency has issued 35 flood warnings and 114 flood alerts for areas across England where flooding is expected or possible.

Natural Resources Wales has issued eight flooding warnings, along parts of The River Severn, River Vyrnwy and River Teme, and 38 flood alerts.

It comes after Newport City Council closed a footpath on Wednesday after part of it “collapsed into the River Ebbw”.

On Wednesday, Mark Garratt, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Continued heavy rainfall across England means that minor localised surface water and river flooding is probable in parts of the Midlands and the South West of England today, with impacts potentially continuing throughout the week.

“With the ground already saturated, communities in these areas should check their flood risk.

“The Environment Agency is monitoring flood levels, operating flood gates and barriers at locations across the country, and ensuring debris screens are clear from blockages to ensure communities are better protected.

“We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30 cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”

The Met Office said further persistent rain will move in on Friday night and into Saturday, with the heaviest rain likely to be further north, including north Wales, northern England and Scotland.

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