Met Office issues 36 hours of warnings as ‘danger to life’ from flood risk

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The Met Office has issued 36 hours of weather warnings including terrifying “danger to life” notices.

Storms and powerful floods are set to batter various parts of the UK this weekend with multiple warnings issued. An uncommon amber warning for rain has been issued, with people travelling in Scotland told to plan ahead.

The north-west Highlands and Argyll fall under the warning, which is in place for the entirety of Sunday (December 17). Meanwhile, yellow weather warnings, which are less severe, have been issued for the northwest Highlands from Saturday evening (December 16) to Monday morning (December 18).

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The Met Office reckons some 100-150mm of rain will fall in the region over the course of this weekend. On some west-facing slopes, this could rise to 200mm.

This means there is scope for power cuts and challenging driving conditions. "Fast-flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life" the Met Office said.

Flooding is expected right across the country with 22 flood warnings and 90 alerts issued by the Environment Agency. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued one warning and five alerts.

The organisation’s flood duty manager David Scott said rainfall "is likely to bring significant surface water flooding impacts" and urged people not to drive. “Remember that not only is flood water likely to be dirty, 30cm of fast-flowing water can move an average family-sized car, and just 15cm of fast-flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet," he said.

The Environment Agency also states: “Ongoing local flooding from rivers is expected over the next five days across the Somerset Levels, and is possible along the River Severn until Sunday, and also along the River Trent until tomorrow (Saturday). Local flooding from rivers and surface water is also possible but not expected across parts of northwest England on Monday.

“Local flooding from groundwater is probable across west Dorset, and possible across parts of Yorkshire, and more widely across the south of England for the next five days. Land, roads and some properties may flood and there may be travel disruption.”

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: "Strong southwesterly winds will feed in a prolonged and heavy spell of rain. In some areas up to 200mm of rainfall could be recorded, but 100-150mm is more likely across the wider warning area. In addition to the usual risks associated with high rainfall, there is the potential for landslides across the south of the Highland region and Argyll."

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