The Met Office’s second most severe weather warning has been issued for parts of Wales as Storm Babet batters much of the British Isles. The warning is in effect from midday Friday (20 October) until 6am Saturday (21 October) due to prolonged heavy rain.
The meteorologist warns that homes and businesses could be flooded and that some communities could be isolated by flooded roads. The Met Office said between 40 and 60 mm of rain is likely, with between 80 and 120 mm at higher altitudes.
It comes after Storm Babette wreaked havoc across the UK and Ireland. The town of Midleton in County Cork in the west of Ireland was flooded after the river burst its banks. And trains across the UK were cancelled, roads were closed and Brits were warned to stay at home as strong winds and torrential rain began to batter the country. Follow the news here throughout the day.
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A lifetime red alert has now been issued for parts of Scotland, with parts of the east including Brechin, Forfar and Kirriemuir at increased risk. It is valid from 6pm on Thursday until noon on Friday. The warning area extended from the south-west to western parts of Tayside on Thursday morning.
(Image: Meteorological Office)
Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “Confidence has grown about the potential for significant rainfall impacts across parts of eastern Scotland due to Storm Babet, leading to an escalation to a red alert.
“Rainfall of 100 to 150 mm is expected during the warning period, with some areas likely to see 200 to 250 mm fall, which is expected to cause significant impacts and flooding is likely.”
An amber warning is in place for Wales from midday Friday until 6am Saturday.
(Image: Meteorological Office)
An amber warning covers Flintshire and Wrexham in Wales from noon on Friday until 6am on Saturday. He said: “Following Thursday’s wet weather, even longer and at times heavy rainfall will affect parts of south-east Scotland and northern England on Friday and continue into the early hours of Saturday. Between 40 and 60 mm of rain is likely. , but the eastern highlands, from south-east Scotland to the Cheviots and as far south as the Peak District, could locally see between 80 and 120mm of rain. “Strong easterly winds may increase the effects of heavy rain.”
Meanwhile, a yellow warning is in place for most of North Wales from midnight tonight (Thursday) until 6am on Saturday.
Jason continued: “Storm Babette will gradually move north over the next few days and although the most significant impacts are expected in the red and amber alert areas, this wind and rain will continue to have a wider impact across much of the UK ”.
(Image: Meteorological Office)
The Met Office forecast for the rest of Wales on Thursday said: “Fog on the hills and light rain will clear before sunny spells with heavy rain, possibly thunder. It feels softer than it has lately, especially in any sunny weather. Winds are generally weaker than on Wednesday, but still strong, with a maximum of 18°C.
“The rain gradually decreases to provide an almost dry night with less wind. Evening fog becomes cloudy in the east. Lighter in the west. Moderate. Minimum 10C”.
The weekend forecast says: “Fog slowly clears during the day Friday, but remains mostly cloudy. The rain moves southeast with showers further west. The winds intensify in the afternoon. High 17°C.
“Saturday will be quite cloudy with occasional showers. Sunday will be brighter, but rain is possible soon. Monday will be sunny with fog. “The wind will weaken and become colder.”
Source: Wales Online
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
