UK weather – today: Snow forecast issued by Met Office as temperatures plummet across UK
Temperatures are expected to plunge, bringing snow to parts of the UK amid yellow warnings for strong winds of up to 55 mph
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Your support makes all the difference.Temperatures are expected to plunge into the weekend and through the week with temperatures becoming chillier, bringing rain, hail, sleet and snow to parts of the UK.
Most snow is likely to hit northern parts of the UK, with some central parts also affected.
This comes as the Met Office issues three yellow weather warnings for strong winds across parts of Northern Ireland, northwest Wales and England, which are expected to bring widespread disruption to transport and infrastructure.
Gusts up to 55mph are likely for many, with the worst affected areas of England to include Blackpool, Cumbria, Lancashire and Merseyside.
Country Antrim and and Conwy are to be the worst affected in Northern Ireland and Wales respectively, with 70 mph gusts also possible for areas with exposed coasts and hills.
Hundreds of flood alerts have been cautioned in England by the Environment Agency after relentless rain left towns and other residential areas under several feet of water.
Images and videos have captured how settlements across the southwest have been effectively transformed into islands after the River Severn burst its banks following days of torrential rain.
Meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “It’s going to stay blustery, with some strong gusts in the west in particular and these lows will continue to send us outbreaks of rain and showers heading into the weekend.”
Watch: Heavy rain causes flooding and disruption across the UK
98 flood alerts in place across England
There are currently 34 flood warnings and 98 flood alerts in place across England.
The Environment Agency said: “Local river and surface water flooding impacts are probable in parts of South West England and possible in parts of the North and far South of England and the Midlands later Wednesday into Thursday with river flooding impacts continuing into Friday.
“Slower responding rivers, particularly in parts of the West Midlands and North East England, are likely to remain high through the next five days leading to further river flooding impacts.
“River and surface water flooding impacts are also possible across parts of the North of England on Saturday and Sunday.
“Local groundwater flooding is possible through the next five days in the south of England.
“Land, roads, and some properties could flood and there could be travel disruption.”
Drivers urged to ‘take care’ if making car journeys
Drivers have been urged to “take care” if they plan on making journeys by road this evening as the heavy downpours set in for the night.
Posting to Twitter, the Met Office said: “Bands of heavy rain and squally winds continue to move east across many areas this afternoon, with some particularly torrential bursts in central and southern areas.
“Take care if you’re about to make a journey.”
In pictures: Persistent flooding leaves town marooned
Shocking aerial images show how parts of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, have been turned effectively into islands as a result of flooding.
How will the rainfall impact my area?
Here is a useful graphic showing how Wednesday and Thursday’s downpours are likely to impact different areas across the UK:
Yellow warning of rain issued for southwest England and Wales
A yellow weather warning will be in place for much of southwest England and parts of Wales from 9pm tonight to 5pm on Thursday.
Here’s what the Met Office say to expect:
- Possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses
- Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
- Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible
- Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible
- Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads
UK weather: Town almost completely cut off by flood water amid heavy downpours
Aerial images show residential areas cut off as heavy downpours caused flooding around the country.
The Met Office has yellow weather warnings for rain and wind in place for Thursday for South West England and Wales as the continuing downpours pose a risk of power cuts and fast-flowing floodwater.
Parts of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, were almost completely cut off by flood water after the River Severn burst its banks following days of torrential rain.
My colleague Liam James reports:
Town almost completely cut off by flood water as heavy rain batters UK
Met Office warns more flooding could follow as rain and high winds sweep the country
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