Corridor of the UK is preparing for a drenching moment as Storm Bram sweeps across the country, bringing what could be nearly a month’s worth of rain in just a many hours.
Severe Weather Alerts Issued
The Met Office has advised that South Wales and the Southwest of England could see up to 100 mm (around four inches) of rain in a short period.
Multiple rainfall warnings are in effect, including two amber cautions for rain and several warnings for strong winds, posing the threat of flooding and trip dislocation.
“Storm Bram will bring a very wet and windy spell of weather, with very strong winds and further heavy rain which, falling over saturated ground, could cause flooding impacts,” said Dan Suri, chief forecaster at the Met Office.
Flood warnings are in place, substantially across the Southwest. One amber warning covers areas of Devon and Cornwall, with over 100 mm of rain anticipated, a significant quantum considering Plymouth generally sees 125 mm over an entire December.
The alternate amber alert stretches across South Wales, including Swansea and Bridgend, where the typical December downfall is around 114 mm. Moments’ cloudbursts could thus match a full month’s rain in just hours.
Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Could Cause Travel Chaos and Flooding
Across Wales, there’s a flood tide warning for the River Ritec at Tenby, along with 52 less severe flood tide cautions.
The combination of heavy rain and winds of over 70mph is anticipated to disrupt trips across north and west Wales.
The strongest gusts are likely in northwest Scotland, particularly in Argyll and Bute, where winds could reach 90mph. An amber warning has been issued, warning of flying debris and littoral swells that could affect roads and parcels.
Mr Suri added: “Within the amber wind warning over northwest Scotland, gusts of up to 90mph could be recorded.
More widely, gusts of 50-60mph, and perhaps 70mph in some areas, are expected across Wales, southwest England, and Northern Ireland.
Rain is another major impact from Storm Bram, with the possibility of 100mm over higher ground in south Wales and parts of Devon. Keep up to date with forecasts and any local flood warnings.”
Storm Bram to Move North by Wednesday
Storm Bram is anticipated to gradually move northwards by Wednesday. While the south may start to see lighter rain and easing winds, northern regions will remain windy with some showers.
Patient rain is still anticipated in the corridor of the far north during the morning.
Residents are advised to take precautions, avoid gratuitous peregrinations, and keep an eye on the latest Met Office updates as Storm Bram continues to affect the UK.
