Parts of UK on 'high risk' flood alert
Large parts of UK on high risk flood alert as nation prepares for heavy rains
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Thursday, 19, Nov 2009 10:43
Parts of the UK, including the north-west of England and south-west of Scotland, are at serious risk of flooding due to heavy rain, meteorologists have warned.
The Environment Agency said there were 31 areas on flood warning, and another 62 areas on flood watch.
The north-west and Wales are the regions with the most areas at risk of flooding. The Met Office has said Cumbria and Scotland are also expected to experience severe rain. The BBC weather centre says wind of up to 70mph will blow through some areas.
The Environment Agency has also warned of a possible tidal surge on Thursday in the northern Irish Sea which could increase the flood risk along the west coast from Aberystwyth northwards.
North Wales has been hit particularly hard by bad weather. The region's fire service said they had attended a series of incidents related to flooding in the last 48 hours, including a woman and son trapped in their car near Bala, and helping a farmer rescue 49 sheep and three cows trapped in water one foot deep in Dolgellau.
Cumbria police said yesterday there was a large flood on the A69 at Warwick Bridge, in Carlisle.
A statement from the Met Office said: "Very heavy rain is expected over Cumbria, western parts of Scotland and north Wales over the next few days. Rainfall totals of 75 to 100mm are expected over parts of these regions by Friday with 200mm or more possible over the higher ground of Cumbria.
"Southerly gales are also expected at times, with gusts of 60 or 70 m.p.h. in many western coastal areas. This, combined with current high tides, brings the risk of coastal flooding to Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria."
Met Office chief forecaster, Bob Wilderspin, added: "This spell of wet and windy weather comes hot on the heels of the storm last weekend. The rain will fall on areas that are already saturated and we are working closely with agencies, local authorities and emergency services to ensure they are prepared.
"You are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecast on TV, radio or online."