Met Office Issues 21-Hour Rain Alert for Midlands with Flooding Risk
The Met Office has issued a significant yellow weather warning for heavy rain across the Midlands, with downpours expected to persist for a continuous 21-hour period. Forecasters are alerting residents to prepare for potential flooding, transport disruption, and possible power cuts as the severe weather system moves through the region.
Timing and Impact of the Weather Warning
The yellow weather alert for rain will be active from 3pm on Monday, January 26, until noon on Tuesday, January 27. During this extended period, outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, are forecast to affect parts of southern and southwest England as well as southern and mid Wales before clearing to heavy showers later on Tuesday.
Rainfall totals are anticipated to reach 20-30mm widely across affected areas, with 50-80mm likely across higher ground, particularly in locations such as Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). The Met Office has emphasised that with already saturated ground conditions prior to this weather event, the additional rainfall will significantly accentuate flooding impacts in vulnerable locations.
Potential Disruption and Safety Concerns
Forecasters have highlighted several areas of concern regarding the impending weather system:
- Transport disruption is expected across road and rail networks
- Localised flooding in areas with poor drainage or near watercourses
- Possible power cuts due to weather-related infrastructure issues
- Public transport delays as services adjust to challenging conditions
- Strong southeasterly winds that may compound the difficult conditions
Motorists are particularly advised to exercise extreme caution when driving in heavy rain, as visibility may be significantly reduced and road surfaces may become hazardous. The combination of heavy rainfall and already saturated ground creates ideal conditions for surface water flooding, which can occur rapidly and without warning.
Affected Regions and Local Authorities
The weather warning extends beyond the Midlands to include multiple regions across England and Wales. The comprehensive list of affected areas includes:
London & South East England
- Hampshire
- Isle of Wight
- Oxfordshire
- Southampton
- West Berkshire
South West England
- Bath and North East Somerset
- Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole
- Bristol
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Dorset
- Gloucestershire
- North Somerset
- Plymouth
- Somerset
- South Gloucestershire
- Swindon
- Torbay
- Wiltshire
Wales
- Blaenau Gwent
- Bridgend
- Caerphilly
- Cardiff
- Carmarthenshire
- Ceredigion
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Monmouthshire
- Neath Port Talbot
- Newport
- Pembrokeshire
- Powys
- Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Swansea
- Torfaen
- Vale of Glamorgan
West Midlands
- Herefordshire
- Shropshire
The Met Office continues to monitor the situation closely and advises residents in affected areas to stay informed through official weather updates and to take necessary precautions to protect property and ensure personal safety during the severe weather period.
