The Met Office has issued a significant yellow weather warning for rain, with a prolonged deluge expected to soak parts of the UK for a staggering 32 hours. The alert warns of potential flooding, difficult travel conditions, and possible power cuts.
Warning Details and Affected Areas
The warning is active from 2am on Sunday, January 11, until 10am on Monday, January 12. The heavy rainfall is forecast to primarily affect western and northern Scotland, with the downpour exacerbated by melting snow from recent wintry conditions brought by Storm Goretti.
The Met Office has named the following five local authority areas within three broader regions that are expected to be worst hit:
- Central, Tayside & Fife: Perth and Kinross, Stirling.
- Highlands & Eilean Siar: Highland.
- Strathclyde: Argyll and Bute, West Dunbartonshire.
Expected Impacts and Rainfall Totals
Residents and travellers are being advised to prepare for potentially severe disruption. The Met Office highlights several key risks associated with this weather event:
Flooding is a primary concern, driven not only by the intense rainfall but also by a rapid thaw of lying snow. This combination could overwhelm drainage systems and lead to localised flooding.
Travel is likely to be heavily affected, with difficult driving conditions and probable delays to bus and train services. There is also a chance of power cuts and some damage to buildings from floodwater.
Substantial Rainfall Forecast
The forecast predicts substantial accumulations across the warning zone. While 40-60mm of rain is expected widely, some locations could see significantly higher totals.
The Met Office warns that parts of Skye, Lochaber, Argyll and the Trossachs could see between 80mm and 110mm of rain during the warning period. The rain will initially fall as snow over higher ground before turning to rain as milder air moves in.
This alert follows a period of cold weather and serves as a reminder of the disruptive potential of Britain's winter climate. Authorities are urging the public in the affected regions to stay updated on the latest forecasts and travel advice.
