A dramatic rescue unfolded recently when a woman drove her Mercedes-Benz directly into floodwater, requiring a rope lifeline to safety. The incident, a stark reminder of the power of recent storms, highlighted the dangerous conditions gripping parts of the UK.
The West Midlands region bore the brunt of the initial deluge, with Storm Bram unleashing torrential rain. While the woman was safely extracted, the event sparked debate, with some questioning the need for emergency services to assist in what one observer dismissed as “a puddle.”
Now, a new wave of severe weather is bearing down, prompting the Met Office to urge households across the nation to prepare “flood kits.” These essential supplies – bottled water, first aid, and detailed flood plans – could prove vital as a weekend of relentless rain extends into Monday for many areas.
Travel networks are already feeling the strain. A major route connecting Durham and Cumbria has been closed to larger vehicles, and rail services are operating under speed restrictions, anticipating the worsening conditions. The approaching weather threatens not just inconvenience, but potential “threats to life” from rapidly rising and powerful rivers.
The heaviest rainfall is forecast for Cumbria, where an astonishing 200mm could accumulate over just 48 hours. An amber alert is in effect, signaling the intensity of the impending downpours. Northern Ireland, Manchester, and Southwestern Scotland are also bracing for significant accumulations, with warnings issued for potential power outages and widespread disruption.
Specifically, residents in Carlisle could see the most extreme rainfall, while Northern Ireland may experience over 50mm on higher ground. Manchester and the North of England could see over 100mm, and parts of Wales are expected to accumulate 100mm as well. Southwestern Scotland faces 110-130mm today alone.
The Met Office warns that communities could become isolated as roads become impassable due to flooding. Outbreaks of heavy rain are already affecting Northern Ireland, with accumulations of 20-30mm expected widely, and potentially exceeding 50mm in elevated areas.
Rail travel is already impacted. ScotRail has suspended services between Kilmarnock and Dumfries due to the hazardous conditions, and Network Rail Scotland has imposed speed restrictions on several lines, including those near Perth and Glasgow. The A66 in County Durham/Cumbria is closed to high-sided vehicles due to strong winds.
In stark contrast, the southern half of the UK will enjoy dry and bright conditions, with lighter winds. Cloudless skies and the possibility of frost, mist, and fog are expected on Saturday morning, offering a temporary respite from the relentless storms battering the north.
Meteorologist Marco Petagna emphasized the slow-moving nature of the rain band, explaining that this is the primary reason for the exceptionally high rainfall totals. He warned of 20-70mm across the northwest, with the amber warning areas potentially exceeding 200mm – a staggering eight inches or more, likely to cause significant flooding.
Looking ahead, the unsettled weather is expected to persist, with no immediate indication of a calming trend before Christmas. While a White Christmas isn’t entirely ruled out, further warnings are likely as the week progresses. The Environment Agency is also preparing for significant surface water and river flooding impacts across northern England.
Jonathan Day, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, stated that significant surface water flooding is possible in parts of the north of England over the weekend, with river flooding also a concern. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for the challenges ahead.
