Met Office issues new heavy rain warnings after thunderstorms and torrential downpours
Britain will expect more torrential rain this week, the Met Office warned, after thunderstorms caused devastating flash floods in some areas.
A two-day heavy rain warning with the possibility of large hail storms has been issued for Wales and the north west of England and will remain in place until 6pm on Wednesday.
This came after more than a month of rain hit parts of Devon and Somerset on Sunday, causing flooding that forced the closure of Exeter Airport and Butlins in Minehead.
Eleven flood warnings remained in force across the UK on Monday, affecting areas including the Cumbrian coast, the River Cole in Swindon and the River Gwash in Ryhall and Newstead, Lincolnshire.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Tuesday and Wednesday
(Met Office)
The unsettled weather is expected to continue on Tuesday, with the Met Office issuing a two-day yellow warning for heavy rain across Wales and the north west of England, including Manchester, from 6am on Tuesday. The bureau said flooding of homes and businesses was likely and that bus and train services could be affected.
Looking ahead, the bureau said: “Clouds and rain will spread rapidly from the west during the morning, although drier after a period of rain with some bright spells for southern parts of the UK. Windy.”
And the office forecasts “unsettled and rather autumnal with changeable conditions” for the rest of the week.
Inside a flooded Exeter Airport as staff and passengers wade through water in the terminal
(Justin Sharp/WEATHER TRAKER/TMX)
Exeter Airport reopened on Monday morning and urged travelers to check with their airlines for status updates.
An airport spokesman said: “We are pleased to confirm that the airport is open today thanks to the hard work and determination of airport staff who worked throughout the night to clean up after yesterday’s flash floods.” To welcome passengers as usual.”
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The Met Office said the rainfall was “very localized”, with 57.4mm of rain falling at the airport, while Swindon in Wiltshire recorded 90.7mm of rainfall overnight. These showers have since shifted to areas in the East Midlands, with Nottingham and parts of Lincolnshire receiving 40 to 45mm of rainfall on Monday.
Conditions are expected to remain “stormy at times” this week, the Met Office warned, urging people to keep an eye on the forecast.
Storm waves hit the breakwater and lighthouse in Newhaven, East Sussex on Monday
(Getty)
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said more storms were possible as the remnants of Hurricane Lee, which hit New England in the US and eastern Canada, will move across the UK between Tuesday and Thursday.
By the time it reaches the British coast it will no longer be a hurricane.
Mr Vautrey said: “This is being picked up by the jet stream. There could be heavy showers in places and there is a risk of further thunderstorms. It could be a pretty restless, autumnal week.”