The Met Office has issued a significant weather warning for heavy rain, placing 23 specific local authority areas across the UK on alert for potential disruption.
Widespread Downpours Forecast
A yellow weather warning for rain will be in force from 9am until 10pm on Thursday, January 15. The national forecaster warns that an area of low pressure will move north-eastwards across England, bringing persistent and heavy rainfall throughout the day.
The Met Office stated that while the exact track of the weather system remains uncertain, accumulations of 20-30mm are expected widely, with some areas seeing that amount fall in just a few hours. There is also the potential for isolated spots to receive 40-50mm of rain.
Risk of Surface Water Flooding
Given the already saturated ground following recent wet weather, the forecast downpours "may lead to some surface water flooding". The warning highlights the risk of travel disruption and potential issues for homes and businesses in the affected regions.
The rain is predicted to clear to the north during the evening and overnight period after the warning expires.
Full List of Affected Areas
The warning covers parts of South East England and South West England. The specific local authorities under the alert are:
London & South East England:
Bracknell Forest, Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Portsmouth, Reading, Southampton, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, Windsor and Maidenhead, and Wokingham.
South West England:
Bath and North East Somerset, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, and Wiltshire.
Residents and travellers in these areas are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and warnings from the Met Office, and to be prepared for possible localised flooding on roads and in low-lying areas.
