UK weather warning: Met Office issues urgent alert as heavy rain and floods to strike

The warning begins at 5.00pm tomorrow and is in effect until 10.00am on Friday.

It covers large swaths of the UK, with the following regions impacted: East Midlands, East of England, London & South East England, South West England, Wales, and West Midlands.

It is the second warning in place for September 26; the first was issued yesterday and covers large parts of northern England.

It is in place for the entirety of Thursday, beginning at 12.00am and ending at 11.59pm.

The Met Office has cautioned that there is a “slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses”.

Flooding is also a possibility, albeit small, and if there is a deluge, some buildings could be damaged.

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⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️

Rain across central and southern parts of England and Wales

Thursday 1700 – Friday 1000

Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs

Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/ffQeI0G1jZ

— Met Office (@metoffice) September 25, 2024

Travel disruptions are also to be expected, whilst driving conditions could also be compromised.

“There is a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads,” the weather service added.

The weather office also said that fast flowing water could cause a "danger to life".

Announcing the alert, the Met Office said: "Whilst some areas will miss the worst, areas of heavy, showery rain are expected to become widespread across a swathe of England and Wales during Thursday evening and on into Friday morning.

"There is some uncertainty in the details, but some locations may see up 20-30 mm of rain in 2-3 hours and perhaps 40-60 mm in 4-6 hours. Lightning and strong, gusty winds may be additional hazards, especially in southwest coastal areas. Given the recent very wet weather, this will bring the potential for further flooding and transport disruption."

Over the weekend, parts of the UK experienced a month’s worth of rain in just 24 hours, signalling the official end of summer.

Commuters experienced travel chaos with roads shut, tube lines part-suspended, and disruption to train lines, whilst parents struggled with childcare arrangements as many schools shut their doors for the day.

The dreary weather has marked the official end to summer, with the autumn equinox on Sunday afternoon signalling the start of the new season.