[ad_1]
Torrential rains could cause “dangerous” floods across the UK this week, the Met Office warned.
Forecasters say large waves, heavy rain, heavy gales and possible river flooding will hit the west coast of England, much of Wales and parts of Scotland from Thursday.
A yellow rain warning has been implemented in these areas and will last until Sunday night. The Met Office said the weather could cause damage to homes and businesses, as well as trip cancellations and power outages.
Most of the UK is expected to experience mild average temperatures in October, but in the mountainous regions of Wales and Cumbria up to 150mm of rain could fall in two days.
Meteorological Office forecaster Marco Petagna told PA Media: “On Thursday and Friday, a band of low pressure will start sweeping from the northwest and will affect areas from Cornwall to Northern Ireland. Incredibly strong wind and rain are likely in these regions, with gales of 50 to 60 mph in exposed areas, perhaps leading to waves of around 10 to 11 meters. Around 40mm of rain could fall every day in some parts. “
On Wednesday, waves from Hurricane Epsilon are believed to hit record highs of 10-15 meters at Mullaghmore in Ireland’s County Sligo.
It comes as forecasters said Londoners could be experiencing the wettest month in more than 150 years. The capital had 139mm of rain through October 25, compared to a full month average of 78mm. October 2020 is already the ninth wettest month in London since 1862.
Petagna said: “It could be the case that the coming days of rain will make this one of the wettest Octobers London has ever had.”
People in Britain were also warned that life-threatening floods could hit certain regions over the weekend as more rain falls on the already saturated ground. The unusual amount of rain is the result of low pressure moving from the other side of the Atlantic.
Petagna said: “People should be very careful during the weekend, more rain will fall, increasing the possibility of flooding of rivers and roads. Climate like this can be very dangerous and can pose a risk to those outside the home, especially on the roads. “
