Over 100 flood warnings in place across UK as temperatures drop

The swollen River Severn, as flood defenses are put in place along the Wharfage at Ironbridge in Telford Credit: PA

More than 100 flood warnings are in place across the UK as the cold and wet conditions are forecast to continue well into next week.

The Environment Agency had issued 119 flood warnings and 192 flood alerts in England as of early Sunday morning, up from 98 warnings and 169 alerts on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Met Office had put multiple yellow warnings in place as the mercury is expected to fall even further.

Flooding along the swollen River Severn, as flood defences are in place along the Wharfage at Ironbridge in Telford. Credit: PA

A warning for ice covering much of Scotland and the north-west and north-east of England suggests there could be “icy surfaces and high-ground snow leading to some difficult travelling conditions in places on Saturday night and Sunday morning”.

Expected “frequent wintry” snow showers have also seen the Met Office issue a lengthy warning for snow and ice for northern Scotland from Sunday through to Wednesday.

The Met Office said: “A few centimetres of snow are likely at low levels over a given 24-hour period, with the potential for 10-15cm above 200 metres, especially across parts of the Highlands. Ice will be additional hazard, especially Tuesday night.”

Flood warnings in place across UK over weekend heavy rain

Residents are urged to take care as there may be some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths and some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.

The forecaster said: “By Sunday most of the UK will be in the northerly airflow, with lower temperatures spreading further south overnight.

“Showers will fall increasingly as sleet and snow in the north, even to lower levels. Some showers further South and West, and perhaps a more persistent spell of rain overnight into Monday, could also turn to sleet and snow mainly over high ground such as the Brecon Beacons, Exmoor and Dartmoor.

“Overnight frost will become more widespread by Monday night, with overnight temperatures below 0°C across much of the UK. Temperatures could get down to -10°C in sheltered glens, or across high ground areas of Scotland where there is lying snow.”

Earlier, flood defences, including boarding, were deployed in York city centre.

City of York Council said it had taken the measure to keep the area “safe and open” as it urged visitors to plan their journeys in advance.

Rescue workers were seen using a boat to navigate the floodwater in the centre of York after the River Ouse burst its banks.

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