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UK weather: Flood warnings and alerts in place amid fears some areas 'could be cut off'

Wet weather has left the ground saturated and means even areas which avoid the worst of the conditions could still see flooding. People are being warned to "stay away" from rivers and of the risk to properties 鈥� and of possible disruption to power supplies and transport networks.

By Ian Sale, news reporter

Thursday 12 January 2023 16:24, UK

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Homes surrounded by water in Tewkesbury
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Heavy rain is expected to bring disruption to parts of the UK with some areas facing the risk of flooding.

A Met Office yellow weather warning for "persistent heavy rain" is in place for parts of Wales and South West England until 5pm on Thursday.

People are being warned of transport delays and disruption to power supplies, with the possibility of flooding to some properties.

Communities could become "cut off by flooded roads", the Met Office said.

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Yellow weather warning for Thursday, 12 January 2023. Uploaded 11 Jan 2023. Pic: Met Office
Image: A yellow weather warning is in place for parts of Wales and South West England. Pic: Met Office

It added that "some higher ground areas may see 70-90mm or more" of rain.

Across the UK, the Environment Agency (EA) had issued 52 flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected - and 154 flood alerts - where flooding is possible, shortly after 11am on Thursday.

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Heavy rain has left some areas around Gloucestershire and Yorkshire submerged in water.

Saturated ground caused by recent wet weather means that even areas which have avoided the worst of recent heavy rain could be at risk of flooding.

People are being urged to "stay away" from "swollen rivers" and not attempt to drive vehicles through floodwater.

The EA has been erecting flood barriers at several of the most at-risk sites.

UK weather - the latest forecast

PAbest Flood defences are installed in Bewdley, Worcestershire, after persistent rain resulted in flood warnings along the river Severn. The Met Office has issued warnings for heavy rains and floods, falling heaviest in western areas but causing wet and windy conditions all over the country. Picture date: Tuesday January 10, 2023.
Image: Flood defences in Bewdley alongside the River Severn
Flood defences are installed in Bewdley, Worcestershire, after persistent rain resulted in flood warnings along the river Severn. The Met Office has issued warnings for heavy rains and floods, falling heaviest in western areas but causing wet and windy conditions all over the country. Picture date: Tuesday January 10, 2023.

This has included the Worcestershire town of Bewdley, which has previously experienced flooding from the River Severn.

Mark Garratt, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, told Sky News the "continued heavy rainfall" in parts of the Midlands and South West England "means that minor localised surface water and river flooding is probable" with the impact "potentially continuing" throughout the week.

Flood warnings. Image uploaded 11 January 2023. Pic: check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk
Image: A large number of flood warnings and alerts are in place. Pic: gov.uk

He added: "With the ground already saturated, communities in these areas should check their flood risk.

"The Environment Agency is monitoring flood levels, operating flood gates and barriers at locations across the country, and ensuring debris screens are clear from blockages to ensure communities are better protected.

"We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through floodwater as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car."

What to do if you get a flood alert or warning

A flood alert means people should prepare as flooding is possible.

People should also have a bag ready with vital items such as insurance documents and medications in the event they need to leave their home.

Other preparations include checking you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies.

Plans should also be made on how and where to move family and pets to safety.

A flood warning means people should act as flooding is expected.

Carry out all the actions for a flood alert, alongside a number of further measures.

These include moving vehicles to higher ground if it is safe to do so.

Move family and pets to safety.

Important and valuable items should be moved to a safe place in your property.

Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it is safe to do so 鈥� but never touch an electrical switch if you're standing in water.

If you have property protection products such as flood barriers or air brick covers, use them now.

Forecasters have said Thursday should be mostly mild but windy, with the prolonged rain in the south in contrast to showers elsewhere.

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