Britons are advised to prepare for heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding. The Met Office has alerted residents in eight regions to assemble an “emergency kit” in anticipation of potential floods, power outages, and travel disruptions on Thursday morning. Weather warnings, including a rain alert, are in effect for Thursday, with southern England expected to bear the brunt of the downpours and strong winds.
The Met Office website warns of possible flooding in homes and businesses, as well as spray and standing water on roads, creating hazardous driving conditions and increasing the risk of accidents, potentially causing longer travel times. The emergency kit should contain essential items like insurance papers, contact information, a flashlight with spare batteries, a first aid kit with necessary medications, and supplies for pets and infants.
Although the Environment Agency has not issued any flood warnings or alerts, the Met Office recommends residents in specific regions to prepare essential items before the rainfall commences on Thursday morning. The areas under the rain weather warning include London, the Southeast, Southwest, and East of England, with some impact also expected in the West Midlands.
Forecasters anticipate up to 50mm of rain within a short period as a low-pressure system crosses the UK eastward. Surrey, West Sussex, and East Sussex are likely to be hit the hardest, with significant rainfall expected in hilly regions of North Devon and Cornwall. Scotland experienced over 16mm of rain on Tuesday, but a relatively drier day is forecasted until the low-pressure system approaches late tonight.
The Mirror reported a separate weather warning for strong winds, with gusts reaching 65-75 mph potentially along the North Sea coast on Thursday afternoon, particularly affecting Lincolnshire and Norfolk.