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UK weather forecast: Further risk of flooding as more heavy rain heads towards Britain

PA
PA

There will be no respite for flood-hit communities in the south of Wales as fresh bands of heavy rain sweep in from the southwest and across the UK, while a new low pressure system threatens further downpours in the coming days.

Flood warnings have remained in place across Britain for much of the last week, with Wales particularly affected by burst river banks and sodden soil left in the wake of Storm Dennis.

However, despite brief respite offered by subdued and scattered showers on Saturday, the nation is expected to be inundated once again with heavy rain through to the early hours of Sunday and again in the evening.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain in South Wales from Saturday night to Sunday morning, prompting further concerns a week after a number of towns and villages were first overrun by flood waters.

Despite the Met Office’s decision not to name the latest bout of stormy weather, it is the third consecutive weekend of heavy rain, with swathes of the country still trying to cope with the impact of Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis.

On Saturday evening, nine flood warnings remained in force across Wales – mainly on the River Severn and River Dee – with 10 flood alerts. Meanwhile in England 75 flood warnings and 156 flood alerts remained in place.

On Monday morning the grim weather is set to continue, with a yellow weather warning for heavy rain being issued from 3am to 3pm in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the northeast of England.

Dan Suri, chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: “A relatively deep area of low-pressure system on Monday provides a continuation of the extremely unsettled period the UK has endured.

“Despite reports to the contrary, this system hasn’t been named, and there is no plan to do so currently, despite some speculation on social media.

“With further rain in the forecast over the coming days, additional rainfall could create further challenges as river catchments are more likely to respond to extra rainfall more quickly. Flooding, especially in areas already heavily affected, remains a possibility.”

Scott Squires, duty tactical manager for Natural Resources Wales, said: “As the flood waters recede and communities start to get back on their feet, we’ll continue to support local authorities and emergency service in these affected areas.

“Over the coming days our teams will be checking for any signs of damage to our flood defences, and removing blockages and debris which has built up in culverts and drainage grids etc.”

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