Britons have been cautioned to prepare for severe weather conditions that could persist for up to 12 hours. The Met Office has highlighted three specific regions at risk of significant flooding, power outages, and travel disruptions. Residents are advised to assemble an emergency kit to ensure readiness for adverse situations.
Heavy rainfall is anticipated to impact the entirety of Northern Ireland from Saturday night into the following day, with a yellow weather warning in effect from midnight until midday. The areas under alert include County Antrim, County Armagh, and County Down. The Met Office forecasts that rain will be most intense in the southeast, with accumulations of 20-30 mm expected across the warning zone and up to 60-100 mm in the Mournes, particularly during the early hours of Sunday.
In light of the potential flooding risks, the Met Office recommends allowing extra time for travel and suggests checking road conditions, as well as bus and train schedules. It is advised to assess the risk of flooding to properties, prepare flood plans, and create emergency flood kits. Additionally, being equipped with essentials like torches, batteries, and a mobile phone power pack can help mitigate the impact of power outages.
While some areas in the UK may experience brighter conditions, meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer from the Met Office indicates that most places could still face cloudy skies on Saturday, improving slightly compared to recent days. However, Sunday is likely to begin damp with continued rain and windy conditions expected throughout the day.
Looking ahead, the start of the next week is anticipated to bring further rain and blustery showers on Monday, with temperatures remaining near average. The long-range forecast from October 22 to October 31 suggests a prevailing unsettled weather pattern across the UK, with outbreaks of heavy rain and strong winds expected to move in from the southwest, followed by showery and cooler conditions for the ensuing weekend.
