The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for parts of Gloucestershire, predicting heavy rain and flooding risks between noon Tuesday, November 4, and 6am Wednesday. This 18-hour alert targets areas north of the River Severn, including Lydney and parts of the Forest of Dean, extending west just beyond Gloucester.
While regions like Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, Stroud, and Tewkesbury lie outside the official warning zone, they too are forecast to experience periods of heavy rainfall during this time.
According to the Met Office, rain showers expected to begin as light or patchy will intensify Tuesday afternoon into widespread, persistent, and heavy downpours, easing early Wednesday. The warning highlights the potential for spray and flooding on roads, which could cause longer journey times and disrupt bus and train services across the affected areas.
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Rainfall totals are projected to range between 20-30 mm widely, but exposed, south-facing hills in the Brecon Beacons and Dartmoor could exceed 50 mm. Local forecasts indicate heavy rain in Lydney from noon until 11pm Tuesday, tapering off overnight. Gloucester, although outside the warning area, will likely experience heavy rain from 2pm to 11pm.
Other towns such as Cheltenham and Tewkesbury expect heavy rain between 4pm and 10pm, Stroud from 2pm to 10pm, and Stow-on-the-Wold between 5pm and 7pm on Tuesday.
The week begins with cloudy skies, mild temperatures reaching about 16 °C, and scattered rain showers. Tuesday will remain grey and blustery with continued risk of heavy rain. Overnight into early Wednesday will see further outbreaks of rain arriving from the south and west. The unsettled weather pattern is expected to persist through Thursday and Friday, with intermittent rain, occasional bright spells, and above-average temperatures.
Residents are advised to prepare for hazardous travel conditions and stay updated as the situation evolves.