The Met Office has issued an urgent 24-hour weather warning for Gloucestershire, cautioning residents about heavy and persistent rainfall expected to cause flooding and significant disruption. The alert is in effect from 6am Friday to 6am Saturday, covering the entire county and extends across large parts of England and Wales.
Forecasters warn that the intense downpours may lead to flooded roads, creating the possibility that some communities could become temporarily cut off. There is also an increased risk of power outages due to the severe conditions.
This warning follows a bout of heavy rain that impacted Gloucestershire from Tuesday into Wednesday, which contributed to several road accidents on major motorways throughout the region. The forecast for Friday paints a particularly concerning picture, with continuous heavy rain anticipated from 1am until midnight, tapering to lighter showers through Saturday morning.
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In addition to the Met Office warning, the Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the River Wye in neighboring Herefordshire, indicating that flooding remains a pressing concern in the wider area.
The Met Office advises: “Outbreaks of rain will develop through Thursday evening and night, becoming prolonged and heavy throughout Friday, before slowly easing into Saturday morning. Strong easterly winds will accompany this rain. Accumulations of 30-50 mm are expected quite widely, with some places receiving 60-80 mm, and potentially in excess of 100 mm over east-facing hills in southeast Wales.” Given the recent wet conditions, these amounts could trigger surface water and river flooding.
The precise impact areas remain somewhat uncertain, but the most significant effects are expected across southeast Wales, the Midlands, and parts of southern England.
Detailed forecast summary:
- Today: A wet and unsettled start with heavy rain, particularly over the Moors, gradually moving north. Conditions brighten in the east later in the day with some sunshine. Temperatures will reach a mild 16°C but coastal areas will experience windy conditions.
- Tonight: Patchy rain continues in the west with drier conditions to the east. Showers will ease overnight with lighter winds and temperatures dropping to around 12°C.
- Thursday: A drier day overall with occasional bright spells and much lighter winds. Temperatures remain mild around 16°C.
- Friday to Sunday: Conditions stay changeable with further spells of heavy, persistent rain, especially on Friday. Periods of drier, clearer weather will occur between showers. Windy and mild weather will continue throughout the weekend.
Residents are urged to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and be prepared for possible flooding and travel disruptions during this period of severe weather.