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Heavy rain is forecast to hit overnight prompting the Met Office to issue an amber weather warning for this evening. Flooding is likely as a barrage of rain is due to hit the south east of England in a matter of hours. It comes as Storm Aurore, and it is set to bring damaging winds through the English Channel.
The amber warning reads: “Some very heavy rain will occur during Wednesday evening and night, with 20-30 mm of rain possible in an hour and locally 60 mm in 2-3 hours.
“This will lead to surface water flooding particularly if the heaviest rain occurs over larger towns and cities.”
The warning is in place from 9pm this evening to 2am on Thursday morning.
The warning states that homes and businesses could be flooded and driving conditions will become difficult, particularly at night time.
A second yellow warning encompassing the whole of the south, from Devon and Cornwall up to London and Kent has also been issued.
The yellow warning reads: “An area of heavy rain reaching southwest England late Wednesday afternoon spreads eastwards across southern England, reaching the far southeast of England by mid-evening.
“Rain will last for around six hours in any location, finally clearing southeast England during the early hours of Thursday.
“Rain may be accompanied by coastal gales and, in a few places, thunder. 15 to 25 mm of rain is widely expected with 30 to 50 mm possible in a few places.”
Residents in these areas are advised to act now to prevent flooding to property – including turning off gas and electricity and moving family, pets and cars to safer areas.
While most of the alerts are focused on rivers, the South Devon coast is also at risk as the tide is set to be 0.29 metres higher than usual.
Locals are being advised to stay clear of the coastline until Thursday.
People living close to rivers and the coast are being asked by the Government’s Flooding Service to take care near ‘areas of concern’ and monitor weather conditions.
Met Office Chief Operational Meteorologist Dan Suri said: “The worst weather associated with Aurore will be on its southern flank, over northern France.
“The northern edge of Aurore will catch southern England, dealing us a glancing blow.”
“What this means for us is some heavy rain this evening and overnight.
“The Channel Islands, however, being closer to France, will be more directly in the firing line and experience high winds this evening and overnight.
“Of course, high winds will also affect the English Channel so marine interests are encouraged to keep abreast of the shipping forecast.”
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