The Met Office has issued a new weather warning for this weekend that could see as much as 40mm of rain fall, triggering flooding and travel chaos for Britons.
There is currently a yellow weather warning for rain in place for Northern Ireland running from 12pm on Saturday until 3am on Sunday. The impacted areas are County Antrim and County Down. The Met Office warns: “Rainfall is likely to develop during Saturday, and may become persistent and at times heavy. 20-40 mm of rain may fall widely, with some locations perhaps seeing 60-80 mm, with much of this falling in just a few hours. From late Saturday onwards, increasingly strong, gusty winds and perhaps some thunder will also accompany the rainfall. There is a chance that the heaviest rainfall could remain to the southeast of Northern Ireland, and any rain will clear to the northeast overnight Saturday into Sunday.”
The UK’s national forecaster warned there is a “small chance that heavy rain may lead to flooding and travel disruption”.
The Met Office also warned of the possibility that “homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings”.
It continued: “Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services.
“Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.”
The Met Office also issued the following advice alongside this weather warning: “Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
“Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”
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