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Parts of England could be battered by more than a month’s worth of rain on Monday, the Met Office has warned.
The autumn equinox on Sunday coincided with heavy downpours, as the Environment Agency warn that “persistent heavy rain and thunderstorms” could lead to significant flooding.
A yellow alert is in place throughout Monday, covering parts of Wales, much of the south of England, the Midlands and into northwest England and Yorkshire.
An amber warning is in place from 5am to 9pm, moving over Worcester, Birmingham, Nottingham and Hull.
Some affected areas could see 100 to 120mm of rain and more warning could follow this week.
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said: “First thing on Monday morning then we see an amber weather warning come into force.
“It stretches between Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and up towards the Wash and the Humber.
“This area in particular, during Monday, we could see over a month’s worth of rain falling, and with the rain we’ve already seen over the last couple of days this certainly has the potential to bring some disruption and flooding in locations and here it is very important we do take care over the course of the day.”
Road closures across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Police have confirmed a number of road closures across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire following “substantial flooding” overnight.
Heavy rainfall on Sunday into Monday has seen areas such as Dunstable and Hitchin partially submerged.
Bedfordshire Police said it had closed off part of Dunstable High Street due to “substantial flooding”, with footage shared on social media showing cars battling high water around the Saracen’s Head pub.
Central Bedfordshire Council said flooding had also hit Flitwick, Cranfield and Marston Moretaine.
North Hertfordshire Police have also advised motorists to avoid some parts of Hitchin, including Walsworth Road near the town centre.
Holly Evans23 September 2024 08:05
Environment Agency warn of ‘significant’ flooding
The Environment Agency has warned of “significant” flooding on Monday across parts of England.
Flood duty manager Sarah Cook said “persistent heavy rain and thunderstorms” could lead to some property flooding and travel disruption.
She said: “Persistent heavy rain and thunderstorms could lead to significant surface water flooding on Monday across parts of England.
“The impacts could include localised flooding in urban areas and fast-responding catchments, including some property flooding as well as travel disruption. The risk from river flooding remains low.
“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground and ready to support local authorities in responding to surface water flooding.
“We urge people to plan their journeys carefully, follow the advice of local emergency services on the roads and not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.
“People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation as well as following @EnvAgency on X, formerly Twitter, for the latest flood updates.”
Holly Evans23 September 2024 07:46
Areas covered by amber rain warning
The following areas come under the amber warning for rain:
- Derby
- Derbyshire
- Leicester
- Leicestershire
- Lincolnshire
- Northamptonshire
- Nottingham
- Nottinghamshire
- Rutland
- Cambridgeshire
- Peterborough
London & South East England
- Herefordshire
- Shropshire
- Staffordshire
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Telford and Wrekin
- Warwickshire
- West Midlands Conurbation
- Worcestershire
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- Kingston upon Hull
- North East Lincolnshire
- North Lincolnshire
- South Yorkshire
Andre Langlois23 September 2024 07:26
Lightning
Jenna Smith captured this stunning picture of lightning above houses in Northamptonshire on Sunday.
Andre Langlois23 September 2024 07:15
‘Stay clear of flooded roads’
Late on Sunday night, Bedfordshire Police posted a statement, saying: “We are aware of the multiple issues the weather is causing across the county tonight. Please only call us if there is an immediate threat to life or crime in progress.
“All emergency services and council teams are working as quickly as possible to help those affected but our priority will be the vulnerable. Please stay clear of flooded roads and affected areas.”
Andre Langlois23 September 2024 06:55
Flood warnings
Currently, 13 flood warnings have been put in place for England by the Environment Agency.
Areas affected include Atherstone in Warwickshire, Leighton Buzzard and Luton in Bedfordshire and parts of London including Wimbledon and South Ruislip.
Andre Langlois23 September 2024 06:43
Warnings of rain and flooding
We’ll be bringing the latest updates on heavy rain across the UK on Monday, which is expected to cause extensive travel disruption.
Andre Langlois23 September 2024 06:39