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Met Office issues flood warning

Met Office issues flood warning

Friday, 18 January 2008 12:00 AM

The Met Office is forecasting strong winds and heavy rain over the coming three days, prompting fears of renewed flooding across some areas of the country.

Those in the west of England and Wales are thought to be the most at risk, with a month's worth of rain expected to fall in just a few days.

According to the Met Office, Atlantic weather fronts could bring as much 100mm of rain to exposed upland areas of Wales, south-west England and the Lake District on Friday and Saturday.

"The weather over the next three days is certainly causing concern and we have a close working relationship with the Environment Agency in these situations," said Met Office operations director, Keith Groves.

"Our main focus is Friday and Saturday but heavy rain could continue into Sunday and it is this cumulative effect that is causing the current problems."

There are now concerns for residents who were struck by floods in June last year as rivers broke their banks after a torrent of rain.

Many have only just returned to their homes and are struggling to find adequate insurance to cover them against such an eventuality happening again.

As the present situation develops the heaviest rain is expected over western hills and mountains.

However, this is only part of the story says the Met Office.

As the water makes it way down stream, local flooding is likely over the following days as rivers become more swollen.

"Although we are paying close attention to the rivers Wye, Dee and Severn we are continuing to closely monitor all rivers across England and Wales during this period of very wet weather," said Doug Whitfield, national flood warning duty officer at the Environment Agency.

The Met Office is encouraging the public to keep up to date with latest forecasts through its website and TV and radio broadcasts.