Warnings of heavy rain, flooding, and brief tornadoes have been issued for parts of England, with 32 flood warnings currently in place. The Environment Agency has also issued 81 flood alerts, indicating that flooding is a possibility.
Regions such as Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Oxfordshire are identified as particularly vulnerable. The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (Toro) forecasts that much of the southeast will experience lightning, winds up to 50 mph, and even isolated brief tornadoes. This includes areas in East Anglia, the southeast Midlands, and central southern England.
The Met Office issued an amber warning earlier today for parts of the Midlands and the south, effective from 6 PM and lasting for 12 hours. Yellow rain warnings have already been in effect for large portions of England, Wales, and western Northern Ireland.
Areas under the amber warning, including Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, and the West Midlands, could see 30-40 mm of rainfall within three hours. The Met Office stated that slow-moving showers and thunderstorms will develop throughout the afternoon, merging into a significant band of heavy rain by evening.
Some regions, particularly in central and eastern parts of the warning area, may receive 30-40 mm in three hours or possibly 50-60 mm in about six hours. This rain will fall on already saturated ground, affecting communities that are still recovering from recent flooding. Travel disruptions and further flooding are likely, with rivers expected to rise after the rain subsides.
The warning indicates that the weather could lead to hazardous driving conditions, potential road closures, and flooding of homes and businesses. There is a significant chance that some communities will be isolated due to flooding, with delays and cancellations to train and bus services also expected.
Kate Marks, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, emphasized the potential for significant river and surface water flooding in parts of central England today and into Friday. She advised the public to plan their journeys carefully and to heed local emergency services' advice regarding road conditions.
The rain is anticipated to clear by Friday, leading to much colder conditions on Saturday.