UK flood warnings ahead of more heavy rain

More flood warnings have been issued ahead of a new storm and heavy rain expected to hit the UK on Tuesday (26 January).

The Met Office said rain would become persistent and at times heavy early on Tuesday, accompanied by southerly gales with a risk of severe gales for exposed coasts and hills.

Many parts of western Scotland could receive 20-40mm of rain, it said, while the most exposed upland areas could see as much as 60mm.

The West Country and north-west England could see 30-60mm of rain, while the most exposed upland parts of north and south Wales could see 100-150mm.

The Environment Agency said people across the Midlands, south-west and north of England should be prepared for the risk of flooding.

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It said high spring tides combined with high winds could cause a risk of coastal flooding in the South West and North West, with a risk of river flooding in the North, Midlands and South West.

Rivers and areas already affected by record water levels throughout the wettest December on record – including Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire – are likely to be at risk.

Other areas at risk include the Midlands, south-west and central southern England.

The Environment Agency said there was also the possibility of flooding along the rivers Severn and Wye as rainfall caused river levels to rise.

Environment Agency national flood duty manager Chris Wilding said heavy rainfall would bring the risk of flooding on Tuesday and into Wednesday.

“Our teams have worked around the clock over the past few months, first responding to the recent floods and then helping support communities with recovery.

“We will continue to do so with more heavy rainfall on the way.

“Our thoughts are with all those who have suffered serious flooding over the past few months, and it is once again vital that people prepare for heavy rainfall and the risk of further flooding.

“We will issue flood warnings and alerts where necessary as rivers respond to the rainfall, which could also inundate drains, so people need to be ready for flash-flooding in some places.

“We urge people to check their flood risk, prepare for flooding, follow the advice from emergency services and never risk driving through floodwater.”

Teams from the Environment Agency would be working around the clock, checking and maintaining flood defences, clearing blockages in watercourses and monitoring river levels.