UK weather: homes and businesses at risk of flooding from heavy rain

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Heavy rain could swamp some homes and businesses and winds of up to 60mph are expected in parts of the UK on Thursday, forecasters have warned.

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 areas of higher ground could receive 70-90mm or more of rain, and downpours could flood properties and cause power cuts.

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.

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

The Met Office urged people travelling to “take a little extra time” to make their journey safe amid the “strong, gusty winds”. Some communities may also be cut off by flooded roads, it added.

Aerial photos on Wednesday showed heavy rain had left areas around Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire submerged by flood water.

The 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 60-80mm falling across the Brecon Beacons and Exmoor.”

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 Severn, Vyrnwy and Teme rivers, and 38 flood alerts.

Newport city council closed a footpath on Wednesday after part of it “collapsed into the River Ebbw”.

On Wednesday, Mark Garratt, the 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 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”

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