A heavy rain warning has been issued for western England and Wales, with areas including Cornwall and Devon expected to experience flooding and transport disruptions.
A spell of heavy and persistent rain is expected to move north across western Britain during Tuesday into early Wednesday, according to the Met Office. The warning covers areas including Cornwall and Devon, as well as Bristol, Bath, Herefordshire, Shropshire, parts of Cheshire and Merseyside.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain, advising that there could be transport disruption, flooding of homes and businesses, and a chance of power cuts. ‘Spray and flooding on roads could make journey times longer,’ while delays on bus and train services are also possible. The Environment Agency had eight flood alerts in place by Tuesday morning, with areas at risk including those close to rivers in Cumbria.
Cumbria, a county in northwest England, is prone to flooding due to its location near the Irish Sea and Lake District.
Heavy rainfall and storm surges can cause rivers to overflow, affecting communities and infrastructure.
The Environment Agency issues flood alerts and warnings for Cumbria, providing critical information on flood risk levels.
Residents and visitors can stay informed through the agency's website and mobile app, which offer real-time updates and advice on flood preparation.
After weeks of fine weather for many parts of the UK, low pressure has led to unsettled conditions. Its chief meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, said that gloomier and unsettled conditions are on the horizon. A low-pressure system near Portugal is expected to bring cloud, rain showers, and lower temperatures for many.
Portugal's climate is characterized by mild winters and warm summers, with low pressure systems playing a significant role in shaping the country's weather.
These systems bring moist air from the Atlantic Ocean, leading to rainfall and cloud cover.
In winter, low pressure systems can bring heavy rain and strong winds, while in summer, they can lead to thunderstorms and occasional heatwaves.
According to data from the Portuguese Meteorological Institute, low pressure systems are most frequent during the autumn and spring months, with an average of 10-15 systems per month.
The Met Office says that the forecast for Good Friday and Easter weekend will become clearer towards the end of the week. Temperatures are likely to be around average for the time of year, with potentially unsettled days, dry interludes, and chilly nights. The AA has issued an amber warning for traffic for the Easter weekend, expecting over 19m journeys on Good Friday and more than 18m on Easter Monday.
- theguardian.com | UK weather: heavy rain warning issued for western England and Wales
