Weekend Weather Alert: Met Office Warns of 60mph+ Strong Winds
As parts of England continue to recover from the recent bout of torrential rain and flooding, the Met Office has issued a weekend weather warning for strong winds exceeding 60mph. While Friday saw a gradual improvement in road and rail conditions following the heavy downpours on Thursday, the upcoming weekend is set to bring more challenges for those in the southern and western parts of the country and Wales.
Forecast for the Weekend
Saturday is expected to bring dry conditions for most areas, providing a brief respite from the turbulent weather of the past week. However, Sunday is forecasted to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the southern and western regions of the UK, with a yellow weather warning in place from 9am to midnight. The Met Office warns that winds will strengthen from west to east, with gusts reaching 50-55 mph in some areas and exceeding 60mph in the most exposed regions.
Continued Impact of Unsettled Weather
The persistent unsettled weather could potentially exacerbate the challenges faced by communities already grappling with the aftermath of flash flooding. Recent flooding incidents have led to disruptions in rail services, with severe flooding at Wellington station in Shropshire causing cancellations between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton. The flooding also affected the SEAH Stadium in Wellington, home to Telford United football club, highlighting the widespread impact of the inclement weather.
Rail services were also delayed on the line between Peterborough and London King’s Cross due to flooding, while the Bristol-Swindon route faced blockages on Friday afternoon. The Marston Vale line in Bedfordshire remains suspended until Monday due to standing water on the track, further complicating travel in the affected areas.
Flooding Continues to Pose Threat
While the rain began to dissipate on Friday, the Environment Agency maintained 59 flood warnings across England, indicating the likelihood of further flooding. Approximately 650 properties in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Kent, and the home counties have already been impacted by flooding. Minor river flooding is anticipated in several regions, including Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Worcestershire, Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, and Yorkshire.
Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst emphasized the ongoing risk of localized flooding, particularly in areas already saturated by recent rainfall. With the ground unable to absorb additional moisture, the potential for further flooding remains a concern for communities across the affected regions.
Looking ahead, the Met Office suggests a potential shift towards drier and brighter weather by midweek, offering a glimmer of hope for those enduring the challenges of the current weather conditions.
